coenzyme-q10 and Infertility--Male

To study the effect of 3 antioxidants viz. selenium, carnitine and coenzyme Q10, alone or in combination, on both semen parameters and pregnancy rates in couples with male factor infertility.. Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was performed of the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for randomized studies comparing selenium, carnitine or coenzyme Q10 with placebo in the treatment of male infertility and reporting semen and pregnancy outcomes.. A total of 3304 studies were screened of which 20 were included. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020210284). Pregnancy rate in the treatment group (69/426, 16.2%) was not different from the placebo (45/401, 11.2%) (P = .05). Treatment group showed higher motility [mean difference 5.05, 95% CI (2.77, 7.34), P =<.0001], progressive motility [mean difference 5.72, 95% CI (2.77, 8.66), P = .0001], sperm concentration [mean difference 6.58, 95% CI (3.22, 9.93), P = .0001] than placebo.. Although antioxidants and their combinations are associated with improvement in sperm concentration, motility, and semen volume, the differences are small. There is no difference in pregnancy rates between patients receiving selenium, carnitine, and coenzyme Q10, or placebo. The quality of studies is poor, limiting the level of evidence.

Topics: Antioxidants; Carnitine; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Selenium; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone

Lifestyle and environmental factors can negatively impact fertility by means of oxidative stress. In this context, antioxidant supplementation therapy has gained much interest in recent years, and different molecules, alone or in combination, have been studied.. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the evidence regarding the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and melatonin on male infertility.. A literature search using PUBMED database from 2000 to October 2022 was performed to explore the role of CoQ10 and melatonin on male reproductive function.. The analysis involved a narrative synthesis. CoQ10, alone or in combination, appears to reduce testicular oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation and to improve sperm parameters; particularly sperm motility. Moreover, CoQ10 treatment is associated with higher pregnancy rates, both naturally and through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Larger studies are needed to precisely determine its clinical efficacy. Melatonin is a known antioxidant and preclinical studies have shown its ability to modulate reproductive function through hormonal and immune system regulation and sperm cell proliferation. Regardless, clinical studies are necessary to assess its potential in male infertility.

Topics: Antioxidants; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Melatonin; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Semen; Sperm Motility; Ubiquinone

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant, fat-soluble component present in the mitochondrial cells. It provides beneficial results in the treatment of male infertility. In the current scenario, the sedative lifestyle, diet and stress in human lead to excessive free radicals (ROS), leading to health aliments. The review is conducted to compare the effect of different fortification methods of CoQ10 in the Yogurt. The study showed that nanoparticles form of CoQ10 in yogurt showed higher bioaccesiblity rates in humans, and the microencapsulation of CoQ10 showed a low amount of Ubiquinone released during its shelf life. The functional Yogurt produced by the Monascus-fermented soybean powder (MFSP) co-fermentation has been shown to have high free radicals scavenging activity. Thus, the review observes that each fortified sample is useful in its way as CoQ10 supplements. Further studies must be done for accurate conclusions on its effect on male infertility, and other fortification media can be explored.

Topics: Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Food, Fortified; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Ubiquinone; Yogurt

Coenzyme Q10 has shown promise in treating male infertility; however, there are inconsistencies across the published data. We undertook a quantitative meta-analysis by pooling data from three placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in order to evaluate the efficacy of CoQ10 in improving semen parameters. Sperm count, sperm motility, sperm forward motility, sperm morphology and CoQ10 level in the seminal plasma were measured and quantitatively correlated with CoQ10 oral administration. Pooled analysis showed a significant impact of CoQ10 in improving sperm motility and forward motility, without a significant impact on sperm count, sperm morphology, ejaculate volume or seminal plasma level of CoQ10. Efficacy assessment suggested that CoQ10 shows better results at higher doses and when administered for a period of more than 3 months but not longer than 6 months. We conclude that CoQ10 has a profound effect on sperm motility and a meagre effect on all other parameters. Therefore, CoQ10 can be used for treating asthenozoospermic infertility with the dosage and duration depending upon the severity of the disorder and the patient's response to the treatment.

Topics: Antioxidants; Asthenozoospermia; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Teratozoospermia; Treatment Outcome; Ubiquinone; Vitamins

This meta-analysis and systematic review investigated evidence of the effect of oral micronutrient supplementation on male fertility. Following searches of PubMed, Ovid/Ovid Medline(r) and Embase, 18 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis (seven studies) and/or the systematic review (12 studies). The meta-analysis showed significant improvement in semen parameters for selenium (200µg/day and 100µg/day) (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.64 for oligozoospermia, 1.39 for asthenozoospermia), L-carnitine (2 g/day) and acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC; 1 g/day) combined (SMD 0.57 for asthenozoospermia), and co-enzyme Q10 (200 and 300 mg/day) (SMD 0.95 for oligozoospermia, 1.48 for asthenozoospermia, 0.63 for teratozoospermia). The systematic review identified promising data for supplementation with 66 mg/day zinc combined with folic acid (5 mg/day), and the polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 1.12 g/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 0.72 g/day). Pregnancy rate was evaluated in a limited number of trials (four in the meta-analysis, three in the systematic review). This analysis suggests supplementation with selenium (alone or combined with N-acetylcysteine), co-enzyme Q10 and the combinations L-carnitine + acetyl-L-carnitine, folic acid + zinc and EPA + DHA is beneficial in the treatment of male infertility. Because of the small number of available studies and low number of participants, further well-designed clinical studies are needed to obtain a better overview of efficient methods of treating male infertility.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Administration, Oral; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Folic Acid; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Minerals; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selenium; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Enhancing testosterone production in males is a continuous research direction for many scientists in the field, due to its role as a principal sex hormone and as a crucial modulator of well-being and general health in humans. Since 1978, there have been more than 30 studies that have connected coenzyme Q

Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Testosterone; Ubiquinone

Idiopathic male infertility is empirically managed using a number of drugs. We reviewed 64 articles published in the last 10 years on such drug therapy. There was severe heterogeneity in data along with poor definition of outcome parameters. Pregnancy or live birth rate was not reported in many studies. Antiestrogens appear to improve pregnancy rates while there is some data supporting the use of aromatase inhibitors. Antioxidants significantly increase the rate of both live birth and pregnancy but the data are limited. However, valid end-points based on data are limited for the empirical use of drugs in idiopathic male infertility.

Topics: Antioxidants; Arginine; Aromatase Inhibitors; Carnitine; Carotenoids; Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Female; Glutathione; Gonadotropins; Humans; Infertility, Male; Live Birth; Lycopene; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E

To evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 treatments in male infertility, specifically in these parameters: live birth and pregnancy rates, CoQ10 seminal concentration, sperm concentration, and sperm motility.. Systematic review and meta-analysis in male infertility patients with CoQ10 oral treatments. Three trials were included: 149 males in CoQ10 group and 147 males in placebo group.. None of the included trials provided any data regarding live births. The results of this meta-analysis show that supplementing infertile men with CoQ10 does not increase pregnancy rates. The analysis showed, among patients receiving CoQ10 treatment, a statistically significant increase in: CoQ10 seminal concentration (RR 49.55, 95 % CI 46.44 to 52.66, I(2) = 17 %), sperm concentration (RR 5.33, 95 % CI 4.18 to 6.47, I(2) = 58 %), and sperm motility (RR 4.50, 95 % CI 3.92 to 5.08, I(2) = 0 %). There is no evidence in the literature that CoQ10 increases either live birth or pregnancy rates, but there is a global improvement in sperm parameters. Adequately powered, robust trials of individual and combination antioxidant therapies are required to guide clinical practice.

Topics: Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Live Birth; Male; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone

We had previously demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 [(CoQ10) also commonly called ubiquinone] is present in well-measurable levels in human seminal fluid, where it probably exerts important metabolic and antioxidant functions; seminal CoQ10 concentrations show a direct correlation with seminal parameters (count and motility). Alterations of CoQ10 content were also shown in conditions associated with male infertility, such as asthenozoospermia and varicocele (VAR). The physiological role of this molecule was further clarified by inquiring into its variations in concentrations induced by different medical or surgical procedures used in male infertility treatment. We therefore evaluated CoQ10 concentration and distribution between seminal plasma and spermatozoa in VAR, before and after surgical treatment, and in infertile patients after recombinant human FSH therapy. The effect of CoQ10 on sperm motility and function had been addressed only through some in vitro experiments. In two distinct studies conducted by our group, 22 and 60 patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia were enrolled, respectively. CoQ10 and its reduced form, ubiquinol, increased significantly both in seminal plasma and sperm cells after treatment, as well as spermatozoa motility. A weak linear dependence among the relative variations, at baseline and after treatment, of seminal plasma or intracellular CoQ10, ubiquinol levels and kinetic parameters was found in the treated group. Patients with lower baseline value of motility and CoQ10 levels had a statistically significant higher probability to be responders to the treatment. In conclusion, the exogenous administration of CoQ10 increases both ubiquinone and ubiquinol levels in semen and can be effective in improving sperm kinetic features in patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia.

Topics: Animals; Asthenozoospermia; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Vitamins

For a number of years, coenzyme Q (CoQ10 in humans) was known for its key role in mitochondrial bioenergetics; later studies demonstrated its presence in other subcellular fractions and in plasma, and extensively investigated its antioxidant role. These two functions constitute the basis on which research supporting the clinical use of CoQ10 is founded. Also at the inner mitochondrial membrane level, coenzyme Q is recognized as an obligatory co-factor for the function of uncoupling proteins and a modulator of the transition pore. Furthermore, recent data reveal that CoQ10 affects expression of genes involved in human cell signalling, metabolism, and transport and some of the effects of exogenously administered CoQ10 may be due to this property. Coenzyme Q is the only lipid soluble antioxidant synthesized endogenously. In its reduced form, CoQH2, ubiquinol, inhibits protein and DNA oxidation but it is the effect on lipid peroxidation that has been most deeply studied. Ubiquinol inhibits the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids and also that of lipoprotein lipids present in the circulation. Dietary supplementation with CoQ10 results in increased levels of ubiquinol-10 within circulating lipoproteins and increased resistance of human low-density lipoproteins to the initiation of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, CoQ10 has a direct anti-atherogenic effect, which has been demonstrated in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed with a high-fat diet. In this model, supplementation with CoQ10 at pharmacological doses was capable of decreasing the absolute concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in atherosclerotic lesions and of minimizing the size of atherosclerotic lesions in the whole aorta. Whether these protective effects are only due to the antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q remains to be established; recent data point out that CoQ10 could have a direct effect on endothelial function. In patients with stable moderate CHF, oral CoQ10 supplementation was shown to ameliorate cardiac contractility and endothelial dysfunction. Recent data from our laboratory showed a strong correlation between endothelium bound extra cellular SOD (ecSOD) and flow-dependent endothelial-mediated dilation, a functional parameter commonly used as a biomarker of vascular function. The study also highlighted that supplementation with CoQ10 that significantly affects endothelium-bound ecSOD activity. Furthermore, we showed a significant correlation between increase in endothelial bound ecSOD ac

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Atherosclerosis; Coenzymes; Endothelium, Vascular; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Infertility, Male; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Male; Mice; Mitochondria; Superoxide Dismutase; Ubiquinone

Oxidative damage is one of the important factors inducing the regression of sperm quality. CoQ10 is a liposoluble antioxidant that exists in mitochondria and its levels in semen and spermatozoa have an important role in the oxidation resistance of the male genital system. Exogenous administration of CoQ10 can improve the sperm quality and reproductive ability of infertile patients as well as exert the effects of an adjunctive therapy on male infertility. This review describes the biological function of CoQ10 and its effect on the quality of spermatozoa and its effect as an adjunctive therapy on male infertility.

Topics: Coenzymes; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Ubiquinone

This review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q(10) in male infertility in the light of a broader issue of oxidative damage and antioxidant defence in sperm cells and seminal plasma. Reactive oxygen species play a key pathogenetic role in male infertility besides having a well-recognized physiological function. The deep involvement of coenzyme Q(10) in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties are at the basis of its role in seminal fluid. Following the early studies addressing its presence in sperm cells and seminal plasma, the relative distribution of the quinone between these two compartments was studied in infertile men, with special attention to varicocele. The reduction state of CoQ(10) in seminal fluid was also investigated. After the first in vitro experiments CoQ(10) was administered to a group of idiopathic asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Seminal analysis showed a significant increase of CoQ(10) both in seminal plasma and in sperm cells, together with an improvement in sperm motility. The increased concentration of CoQ(10) in seminal plasma and sperm cells, the improvement of semen kinetic features after treatment, and the evidence of a direct correlation between CoQ(10) concentrations and sperm motility strongly support a cause/effect relationship. From a general point of view, a deeper knowledge of these molecular mechanisms could lead to a new insight into the so-called unexplained infertility.

Topics: Antioxidants; Coenzymes; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Ubiquinone

This study aimed at comparing sperm parameters and hormonal levels with L-carnitine vs. CoQ10 and Vitamin E therapy for patients with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia.. A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed wherein patients were randomly allocated to receive L-carnitine complex nutrient treatment (study group - 15 g/bag, orally one bag at a time, twice a day) or CoQ10 (control group - 10 mg tablet orally, thrice daily) with Vitamin E (100 mg tablet orally, thrice daily) for three months. Outcome variables were sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin levels.. 143 patients were analyzed (73 in study and 70 in control group). Compared to baseline, sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and morphology improved significantly in the study group, but only progressive sperm motility and morphology improved in the control group. Serum testosterone levels significantly increased both in the study and control groups, while LH increased only in the study but not in the control group. All sperm parameters showed significantly better improvement in the study group, compared to the control group. Testosterone and LH levels were also higher in the study group compared to the control group.. L-carnitine significantly improves sperm motility, morphology, and concentration, while also improving testosterone and LH levels. Use of CoQ10 and Vitamin E resulted in improvement of only sperm motility, morphology, and testosterone levels. L-carnitine was found to be superior to the combination of CoQ10 and Vitamin E in improving sperm parameters. Further studies examining clinical pregnancy rates are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Topics: Carnitine; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Pregnancy; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Testosterone; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key contributing factor in 30-80% of male infertility cases. To date, several antioxidant treatments have been put forth to manage OS-induced male infertility. This study intended to elucidate the impact of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and selenium on seminal fluid parameters and antioxidant status in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT). In this prospective study, 70 patients with idiopathic OAT were randomly allocated to receive CoQ10 (200 mg/day) or selenium (200 μg/day) for 3 months. Semen quality parameters (following WHO guidelines, 5th edition), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were compared before and after the treatment. The results of the study showed an increase in sperm concentration with CoQ10 treatment (p < 0.01) as well as increased progressive sperm motility (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) and total sperm motility (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) with CoQ10 and selenium treatment respectively. There was also a significant improvement in TAC (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) and SOD (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) following treatment with CoQ10 and selenium respectively while CAT improved only with CoQ10 therapy (p < 0.05). Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology also correlated significantly with TAC, SOD, and CAT (r = 0.37-0.76). In conclusion, treatment with CoQ10 (200 mg) or selenium (200 μg) could improve sperm concentration, motility, and antioxidant status in infertile men with idiopathic OAT with CoQ10 providing the higher improvement.

Topics: Antioxidants; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Prospective Studies; Selenium; Semen; Semen Analysis; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone

There are reports showing that l-carnitine alone or in combination with other micronutrients improve sperm parameters. However, comparative studies are still lacking. This study was carried out to compare the short term effects of a combination of eight micronutrients including l-carnitine vs. a mono-substance (l-carnitine alone) on sperm parameters.. This was a prospective, open-labelled, nonrandomized study that included male subjects (20 to 60 years) with at least 1 year of subfertility and at least one pathological semen analysis who received 3 months treatment with a mono-substance (500 mg l-carnitine/twice a day, n = 156) or a combined compound (440 mg l-carnitine + 250 mg l-arginine + 40 mg zinc + 120 mg vitamin E + 80 mg glutathione + 60 μg selenium + 15 mg coenzyme Q10 + 800 μg folic acid/once a day, n = 143) for the same time period. Sperm parameters were analyzed before and after treatment and groups comparisons performed.. Baseline characteristics were similar among studied groups (age and body mass indices). Semen parameters (volume, density, overall progressive motility [including slow and fast motility]) and percentage of sperm with normal morphology improved after 3 months in both groups as compared to baseline. However, relative change (expressed as % increase of absolute values) for sperm density and overall progressive motility (including fast motility) was found to be higher for the combined micronutrient treatment group as compared to the mono-treatment using l-carnitine alone.. Both analyzed groups displayed a positive short term effect on all sperm parameters; however effect on density and motility was significantly better for the combined formulation. There is need for more research in this matter that includes long term outcome data.. Retrospectively registered at ISRCTN (7th October 2016). Study ID: ISRCTN48594239.

Topics: Adult; Arginine; Carnitine; Drug Combinations; Folic Acid; Glutathione; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Selenium; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E; Zinc

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Catalase; Dinoprost; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oxidative Stress; Semen; Sperm Motility; Superoxide Dismutase; Ubiquinone

The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral antioxidant treatment (1500 mg of l-Carnitine; 60 mg of vitamin C; 20 mg of coenzyme Q10; 10 mg of vitamin E; 10 mg of zinc; 200 μg of vitamin B9; 50 μg of selenium; 1 μg of vitamin B12) during a time period of 3 months upon the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation following varying periods of sperm storage (0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 8 h and 24 h) at 37 °C in a cohort of 20 infertile patients diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia. A secondary objective was to use the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) to study antioxidant effects upon a specific subpopulation of highly DNA degraded sperm (DDS). Semen parameters and pregnancy rate (PR) were also determined. Results showed a significant improvement of DNA integrity at all incubation points (P < 0.01). The proportion of DDS was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Semen analysis data showed a significant increase in concentration, motility, vitality and morphology parameters. Our results suggest that antioxidant treatment improves sperm quality not only in terms of key seminal parameters and basal DNA damage, but also helps to maintain DNA integrity. Prior administration of antioxidants could therefore promote better outcomes following assisted reproductive techniques.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Asthenozoospermia; Carnitine; DNA Damage; DNA Fragmentation; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E; Vitamins

We determined the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormone profiles in infertile men.. A total of 212 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg coenzyme Q10 (Kaneka, Osaka, Japan) orally daily (106 in group 1) or a similar placebo regimen (106 in group 2) during a 26-week period, followed by a 30-week treatment-free phase. Two semen analyses, acrosome reaction test, immunobead test for antisperm antibody, and determination of resting levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and inhibin B were done in all participants. Blood and seminal plasma total coenzyme Q10 was also assessed.. Significant improvement in sperm density and motility was evident with coenzyme Q10 therapy (each p = 0.01). Using the Kruger classification sperm morphology evaluation revealed an increase in the percent of normal forms in the coenzyme Q10 group (p = 0.07). A positive correlation was found between treatment duration with coenzyme Q10 and sperm count (r = 0.46, p = 0.03) as well as with sperm motility (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) and sperm morphology (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). The coenzyme Q10 group had a significant decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone at the 26-week treatment phase (each p = 0.03). By the end of the treatment phase the mean +/- SD acrosome reaction had increased from 14% +/- 8% and 15% +/- 8% to 31% +/- 11% and 16% +/- 10% in the coenzyme Q10 and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.01).. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in certain semen parameters. However, further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion and evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the pregnancy rate.

Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Probability; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Semen; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa; Treatment Outcome; Ubiquinone; Young Adult

Previously we demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is present in human seminal fluid and shows a direct correlation with seminal parameters except in patients with varicocele (VAR). We have now evaluated CoQ10 distribution in VAR, versus control subjects, in order to discover metabolic abnormalities within this condition. We studied 32 patients with VAR (11 with oligoasthenozoospermia, 13 with asthenozoospermia, and 8 with normozoospermia), and, as controls, the following groups of subjects, matched with VAR patients according to seminal parameters: 16 patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia, 11 patients with isolated asthenozoospermia, and 14 normal fertile men. CoQ10 was assayed in total seminal fluid, plasma, or cell pellet by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We found a significantly higher proportion of CoQ10 in seminal plasma in VAR; cellular CoQ10 showed an inverse correlation with sperm concentration and motility in VAR, at variance with controls. As seminal plasma ubiquinone reflects an interchange between intracellular and extracellular compartments, the different distribution in VAR patients could represent a greater sensitivity to peroxidative damage and could suggest reduced utilization for energy, which in turn could cause a defective motility even in patients with a normal cell count. These data suggest a pathophysiological role of CoQ10 in seminal plasma and a possible molecular defect in VAR.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Coenzymes; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Varicocele

Infertility is a focal issue in public health and affects human reproduction and survival. Notably, an increasing number of studies in recent decades have found that sperm DNA integrity plays a critical role in the development of healthy embryos. Among the multiple pathogenic factors of sperm DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress has proven to be predominant. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation, which has been used for the treatment of male infertility, has shown good clinical efficacy due to its oxidation resistance, but its efficacy as measured by the sperm DNA fragmentation index remains controversial. To address this issue, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for male infertility patients with a high sperm DNA fragmentation index.. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Studies and Web of Science databases will be comprehensively searched from inception to 31 December 2022 to identify relevant studies published in the English language using appropriate search strategies. The search terms will be derived from the following concepts: sperm DNA fragmentation, coenzyme Q10 and randomised controlled trials. Two review stages, that is, title and abstract screening and full-text screening, will be performed by two reviewers. The risk of bias, publication bias and evidence grade of the included studies will be assessed using a standardised protocol. Data will be used to calculate effect sizes. Heterogeneity among the studies will be evaluated graphically. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed if necessary to validate the results.. No ethical approval will be needed, as there will be no participants in this study. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to disseminate the findings through publication and conference presentation.. CRD42022293340.

Topics: Dietary Supplements; DNA Fragmentation; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Semen; Spermatozoa; Systematic Reviews as Topic

Different antioxidants including coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been tried to treat idiopathic male infertility (IMI) with variable results. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the clinical and biochemical predictors of pregnancy outcome and time to pregnancy (TTP) in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (OA) pre- and post-CoQ10 therapy. This prospective controlled clinical study included 178 male patients with idiopathic OA and 84 fertile men (controls). Patients received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 6 months. Demographics, semen parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and body mass index were measured and compared at baseline and after 6 months. All participants were followed up for another 18 months for pregnancy outcome and TTP. CoQ10 therapy for 6 months significantly improved semen parameters, antioxidant measures and reduced SDF. The pregnancy rate was 24.2% and TTP was 20.52 ± 6.72 months in patients as compared to 95.2% and 5.73 ± 6.65 months in fertile controls. After CoQ10 therapy, CoQ10 level, sperm concentration, motility and ROS were independent predictors of pregnancy outcome and CoQ10 level, male age, sperm concentration, motility, ROS and GPx were independent predictors of TTP in patients. In conclusion, CoQ10 therapy of 6 months is a potential treatment for men with idiopathic OA. CoQ10 level, male age, semen parameters, ROS and GPx could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers for male fertility and predictors for pregnancy outcome and TTP in these patients.

Topics: Antioxidants; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Reactive Oxygen Species; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Time-to-Pregnancy; Ubiquinone

When diagnosing and treating male infertility it is important to determine whether there are defects in the maturation process of sperm nuclei. Using nutritional supplements can improve the morphological and physiological condition of the spermatozoa. In recent years there has been an increase in the usage of supplements with different compositions which strives to determine the best combination and avoid side effects.. To study the effect of PAPA nutritional supplement on the levels of DNA fragmentation of sperm cells tested with acridine orange test (single stranded DNA against double stranded DNA) in men with sub/infertility.. 48 men with confirmed sub/infertility underwent treatment for three months with nutritional supplement PAPA containing 9 micronutrients. The differences in levels of DNA fragmentation were determined with acridine orange test, which was conducted before and after the treatment.. The results were statistically significant (p<0.001) showing an increase in the number of green spermatozoa (normal DNA), and a decrease of damaged ones (orange and red). After treatment the level of sperm DNA fragmentation decreased by 10.2%.. Men with confirmed sub/infertility that took nutritional supplement PAPA for three moths showed a decrease in DNA fragmentation levels of 10.2% determined by AO test which implies an improvement of male fertility levels.

Topics: Acridine Orange; Adult; Antioxidants; Arginine; Asthenozoospermia; Carnitine; Dietary Supplements; DNA Fragmentation; Fluorescent Dyes; Folic Acid; Fructose; Glutathione Reductase; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Oligospermia; Selenium; Spermatozoa; Sweetening Agents; Taurine; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To assess the association between coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) intake from food sources and semen quality. We assessed this association in a prospective cohort of men attending a fertility clinic. CoQ10 supplementation has been associated with improvements in semen parameters. However, the impact of CoQ10 intake from food sources on semen quality has not been investigated.. Subfertile couples seeking fertility evaluation at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. In total, 211 male participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and provided 476 semen samples. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to examine the relation between CoQ10 intake from food and semen parameters while adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for within-person correlations.. Mean dietary CoQ10 intake was 19.2 mg/day (2.4-247.2 mg/day). No subjects were taking CoQ10 supplements. There were no associations between dietary CoQ10 intake from food and conventional semen parameters. The adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) comparing men in the top and bottom quartiles of CoQ10 intake from food were -3.1 mil/mL (95% confidence interval -29.5, 38.8 mil/mL) for sperm concentration, -4.5% (-15.1%, 6.0%) for total motility, -1.3% for progressive motility (-8.4%, 5.7%), and 0.3% (-1.4%, 2.0%) for sperm morphology.. CoQ10 intake from food was not related to semen parameters among subfertile men. Mean dietary intake of CoQ10 in this study was 10-fold lower than the supplemental dose used in clinical trials showing improved sperm motility. CoQ10 intake from food alone may be insufficient to optimize semen parameters.

Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Food; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Prospective Studies; Semen Analysis; Ubiquinone; Vitamins

Infertile males with varicocele have the highest percentage of sperm cells with damaged DNA, compared to other infertile groups. Antioxidant treatment is known to enhance the integrity of sperm DNA; however, there are no data on the effects in varicocele patients. We thus investigated the potential benefits of antioxidant treatment specifically in grade I varicocele males. Twenty infertile patients with grade I varicocele were given multivitamins (1500 mg L-Carnitine, 60 mg vitamin C, 20 mg coenzyme Q10, 10 mg vitamin E, 200 μg vitamin B9, 1 μg vitamin B12, 10 mg zinc, 50 μg selenium) daily for three months. Semen parameters including total sperm count, concentration, progressive motility, vitality, and morphology were determined before and after treatment. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation and the amount of highly degraded sperm cells were analyzed by Sperm Chromatin Dispersion. After treatment, patients showed an average relative reduction of 22.1% in sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.02) and had 31.3% fewer highly degraded sperm cells (p = 0.07). Total numbers of sperm cells were increased (p = 0.04), but other semen parameters were unaffected. These data suggest that sperm DNA integrity in grade I varicocele patients may be improved by oral antioxidant treatment.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carnitine; Cell Survival; Dietary Supplements; DNA; DNA Damage; DNA Fragmentation; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Varicocele; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Zinc

Many conditions associated with male infertility are inducers of oxidative stress, including varicocele. Antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, may be useful in this case. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele before and after an oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 , 38 patients were recruited from a pilot clinical trial. A standard semen analysis was also performed at baseline and 3 months after an oral supplementation with exogenous coenzyme Q10 100 mg per die. Seminal plasma antioxidant capacity was measured using a spectroscopic method. Coenzyme Q10 therapy improved semen parameters and antioxidant status. This study highlights the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of male infertility, namely in varicocele, and strengthens the possibility of the usefulness of the antioxidant therapy.

Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pilot Projects; Ubiquinone; Varicocele

It is estimated that one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors. Hyper-cholesterolemia is a social problem in many developed countries and contributed with a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an excess of cholesterol and its derivatives in the blood stream.. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 and L-Carnitine supplementation on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormone profiles in male Wistar rats with high LDL and Oxidized LDL (OxLDL) blood levels.. Animals were fed with cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol-rich diets for 14 weeks to elevate the LDL and OxLDL blood level, respectively. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/day, oral) and L-Carnitine (350 mg/kg/day, oral) were conducted for 5 consecutive weeks. Sex hormones levels, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant concentrations, as well as testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle weight were also analyzed.. Following high LDL and OxLDL blood levels, decrease in the sperms count and viability, weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle as well as concentration of testosterone and LH hormone were observed. On the other hand, in contrast to reduction of total antioxidant level, malondialdehyde concentration, both in serum and testis, was increased. However, pretreatment with L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 increased serum sex hormones level and improved semen parameters significantly.. Overall, pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 and L-Carnitine attenuated the destructive effects of high LDL and oxidized LDL levels on spermatogenesis parameters in male rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Carnitine; Cell Survival; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cytoprotection; Disease Models, Animal; Epididymis; Hypercholesterolemia; Infertility, Male; Lipoproteins, LDL; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Malondialdehyde; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis; Testosterone; Ubiquinone

In this case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the serum and seminal plasma levels of Selenium (Se), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) and determine their relationship with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men with idiopathic infertility. A total of 59 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty four patients were diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility and had abnormal sperm parameters, and 15 subjects had normal sperm parameters with proven fertility. Serum Se, semen Se, and semen TAC levels were significantly different in the fertile and infertile groups (p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). However, serum TAC, serum, and seminal plasma CoQ-10 levels did not differ between fertile and infertile groups. When the levels of the measured parameters were compared in serum and seminal plasma, serum levels of Se were found to be correlated positively with the semen levels in all subjects included into the study (N=59) (r=0.46, p<0.01). A relationship was found between neither serum and semen levels of TAC nor between serum and semen levels of CoQ-10. Correlations among measured serum and semen parameters with sperm parameters demonstrated that both the serum and semen levels of Se were correlated positively with spermatozoa concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, seminal plasma levels of TAC correlated positively with all these sperm parameters. On the other hand, seminal plasma levels of CoQ-10 correlated only with sperm morphology but not with concentration or motility. No relationship was observed between serum levels of TAC or serum levels of CoQ-10 and sperm parameters. In conclusion, serum and seminal plasma Se deficiency may be a prominent determinant of abnormal sperm parameters and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of serum Se levels may help determine nutritional status and antioxidant capacity in infertile patients, which may help distinguish those patients who will benefit from supplementation therapy.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Selenium; Semen; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone; Young Adult

Male infertility is one of the most stressful factors of couples, being present in about 40% cases. It is usually caused by a low number of sperm (oligozoospermia) or poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). The sperm motility is used as an indicator of semen quality and male infertility. To the impairment of male reproduction health can contribute genetic, nutritional and environmental factors, smoking and drugs. It is well documented that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production decreases sperm motility, impairs sperm function, damages the morphology of spermatozoa (1, 2). To the decreased sperm motility contribute also disturbances of sperm mitochondrial function and energy production, low levels of coenzyme Q10 and carnitine, as well as sperm mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) defects. The origin of sperm dysfunction, however, is not well understood.. Oxidative stress has been established as a major factor in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Low level of coenzyme Q10 contributes to the decreased sperm motility, which plays a vital role in sperm mitochondrial energy production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS).The aim of the present study was to find out, if an assessment of coenzyme Q10-TOTAL (CoQ10-TOTAL), α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and oxidative stress could contribute to the diagnosis of infertility in men.. Two groups of infertile men, according to sperm motility (a+b and b+c) were included in the study. CoQ10-TOTAL, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol in plasma and seminal fluid, and parameter of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) in plasma were determined.. Higher sperm density and decreased sperm pathology were found in group a+b vs b+c (class a and b - fast and weak forward motility, class c - nonprogressive motility). Concentrations of CoQ10-TOTAL and α-tocopherol were significantly increased in seminal fluid of groups a+b vs b+c, opposite results were estimated in plasma. Concentrations of γ-tocopherol in plasma and seminal fluid of both groups were similar. Plasmatic TBARS concentrations were increased in both groups of infertile men.. We suppose that incorporation of oxidative stress assessment, CoQ10-TOTAL and α-tocopherol concentrations in seminal fluid and plasma into routine andrology can play an important role for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of male infertility (Tab. 1, Ref. 16).

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Ubiquinone

It has been shown that coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) supplementation in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) results in improved semen parameters. In present study, we evaluated the effects of coenzyme CoQ(10) supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy rates in infertile men with idiopathic OAT.. Two hundred and eighty-seven infertile men with idiopathic OAT were recruited in this study. These patients were treated with CoQ(10) 300 mg orally twice daily for 12 months. Two semen analyses and determination of resting levels of sex hormones were done in all participants. Patients were followed up for another 12 months after CoQ(10) discontinuation.. Mean sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, and sperm with normal morphology improved significantly after 12-month CoQ(10) therapy by 113.7, 104.8, and 78.9%, respectively (all Ps < 0.05). The overall pregnancy rate was 34.1% within a mean of 8.4 ± 4.7 months.. CoQ(10) supplementation improves semen quality with beneficial effect on pregnancy rate.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Catalase; Dietary Supplements; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Infertility, Male; Inhibins; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Oligospermia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Prolactin; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Superoxide Dismutase; Testosterone; Thyrotropin; Ubiquinone; Vitamins; Young Adult

Worldwide statistics agree that at least one out of six couples has fertility problems. If the male gamete is the origin of this problem, it is generally admitted that the oxidative stress is involved. Modern life has obviously increased fertility problems through pesticides, xenoestrogenes, endocrine disrupting chemicals involved in plastic technology such as polychlorinated bisphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates and alkylphenols… and other cosmetic additives. An important part of these compounds increases oxidative stress, at least in part. Oxidative stress is more than probably at the origin or recurrent increasing pathologies such as endometriosis. If the oocyte is theoretically able to repair oxidative stress linked decays such as DNA fragmentation and oxidation of bases, its capacity is finite and decreasing with age. In order to decrease DNA repair charge, reducing or even avoiding the generation of DNA damages related to reactive oxygen species through consumption of antioxidants compounds is often tempting: however Reasons will be provided to break from current treatments given haphazardly in the population in the age of reproduction, as well as the potential risks of over-exposure. Furthermore recommended treatments, in relation with the new concepts in oxidative stress, will be specified.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Female; Humans; Infertility; Infertility, Female; Infertility, Male; Male; Oocytes; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Spermatozoa; Superoxide Dismutase; Ubiquinone

To evaluate seminal plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels and oxidative stress in patients with different types of male infertility.. A case-control study was carried out in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq from the period of November 2004 to July 2006. Sixty patients with male infertility were recruited from Al-Kadhimia Teaching Hospital, Baghdad and included in this study. The male patients were categorized according to their seminal fluid parameters to oligozoospermia (n=32), azoospermia (n=22), and asthenozoospermia (n=6). All obtained results from infertile men groups were compared with age-matched healthy volunteers as control group consisting of 39 subjects. Seminal plasma samples were analyzed for CoQ10 by an improved high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and for malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of oxidative stress.. The mean seminal plasma CoQ10 was 1.10+/-0.169 mg/L in oligozoospermia, 0.567+/-0.098 mg/L in azoospermia, 0.740+/-0.06 mg/L in patients with asthenozoospermia, and 1.652+/-0.139 mg/L in control group. The seminal plasma CoQ10 levels in all infertility groups showed a significant difference from the control group (p< or =0.0001). High significant increase (p < or =0.001) in the MDA levels was noted in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermia 11.37+/-1.64 micromole/L, azoospermia 13.87+/-1.62 micromole/L, and asthenozoospermia group 9.508+/-0.533 micromole/L whereas the level in the control group was 8.517+/- 0.622 mole/L. Seminal plasma CoQ10 was inversely and significantly correlated with MDA (r= -0.760; p=0.000).. Elevated seminal plasma CoQ10 levels are associated directly with good semen parameters and inversely with the oxidative stress.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Infertility, Male; Iraq; Linear Models; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Semen; Ubiquinone

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the analysis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in human seminal plasma was developed and applied to investigate its clinical significance as a reference index relating to oxidative stress and infertile status of spermatozoa. After precipitation of proteins in seminal plasma with methanol, CoQ10 and coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9; internal standard) were extracted with hexane. The supernatant after centrifugation was evaporated to dryness with nitrogen at 45 degrees C. The residue was re-dissolved in isopropanol. HPLC separation of the sample solution was performed on a Lichrospher C(18) column with a mobile phase composed of isopropanol-methanol-tetrahydrofuran in the ratio of 55:39:6 (v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Under the chromatographic conditions described, the CoQ10 and CoQ9 had retention times of approximately 5.83 and 4.97 min, respectively. The peaks were detected at UV 275 nm. Good separation and detectability of CoQ10 in human seminal plasma were obtained. The method was linear in the range 0.01-10.00 microg/mL. The relative standard deviations within- and between-assay for CoQ10 analysis were 0.85 and 1.86%, respectively. The average recoveries were 94.1-99.0% for the human seminal plasma samples. The CoQ10 levels in seminal plasma of 195 patients and 23 control subjects were studied. CoQ10 concentrations in the two populations were: 37.1 +/- 12.2 ng/mL in the fertile group and 48.5 +/- 20.4 ng/mL in the infertile group. The large difference (p < 0.01) between the fertile and infertile populations is evident.

Topics: Adult; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Coenzymes; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Semen; Ubiquinone

To clarify a potential therapeutic role of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.. Open, uncontrolled pilot study.. Infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.. CoQ(10) was administered orally; semen samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE (S): Semen kinetic parameters, including computer-assisted sperm data and CoQ(10) and phosphatidylcholine levels.. CoQ(10) levels increased significantly in seminal plasma and in sperm cells after treatment. Phosphatidylcholine levels also increased. A significant increase was also found in sperm cell motility as confirmed by computer-assisted analysis. A positive dependence (using the Cramer's index of association) was evident among the relative variations, baseline and after treatment, of seminal plasma or intracellular CoQ(10) content and computer-determined kinetic parameters.. The exogenous administration of CoQ(10) may play a positive role in the treatment of asthenozoospermia. This is probably the result of its role in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties.

Topics: Adult; Coenzymes; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Phosphatidylcholines; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen; Sperm Count; Treatment Outcome; Ubiquinone

Levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and of its reduced and oxidized forms (ubiquinol, QH2, and ubiquinone, Qox) have been determined in sperm cells and seminal plasma of idiopathic (IDA) and varicocele-associated (VARA) asthenozoospermic patients and of controls. The results have shown significantly lower levels of coenzyme Q10 and of its reduced form, QH2, in semen samples from patients with asthenospermia; furthermore, the coenzyme Q10 content was mainly associated with spermatozoa. Interestingly, sperm cells from IDA patients exhibited significantly lower levels of CoQ10 and QH2 when compared to VARA ones. The QH2/Qox ratio was significantly lower in sperm cells from IDA patients and in seminal plasma from IDA and VARA patients when compared with the control group. The present data suggest that the QH2/Qox ratio may be an index of oxidative stress and its reduction, a risk factor for semen quality. Therefore, the present data could suggest that sperm cells, characterized by low motility and abnormal morphology, have low levels of coenzyme Q10. As a consequence, they could be less capable in dealing with oxidative stress which could lead to a reduced QH2/Qox ratio. Furthermore, the significantly lower levels of CoQ10 and QH2 levels in sperm cells from IDA patients, when compared to VARA ones, enable us to hypothesize a pathogenetic role of antioxidant impairment, at least as a cofactor, in idiopathic forms of asthenozoospermia.

Topics: Coenzymes; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Ubiquinone; Varicocele

In sperm cells, the majority of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) an energy promoting agent and antioxidant, is concentrated in the mitochondria of the midpiece, so that the energy for movement and all other energy-dependent processes in the sperm cell also depend on the availability of CoQ10. The reduced form of CoQ10-ubiquinol also acts as an antioxidant, preventing lipid peroxidation in sperm membranes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on sperm motility in vitro, after incubation with 38 samples of asthenospermic and normal motility sperm, and to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 administration in vivo in 17 patients with low fertilization rates after in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for male factor infertility. All 38 sperm samples from patients registered in our infertility clinic had normal concentrations and morphology. Of these, 16 patients had normal motility (mean 47.5%) and 22 patients were asthenospermic (mean motility 19.1%). Sperm samples were divided into four equal parts and incubated for 24 h in: HAM's medium alone, in HAM's medium with 1% DMSO and HAM's with 5 microM or 50 microM CoQ10. While no significant change in motility after incubation was observed in the samples with initial normal motility, a significant increase in motility was observed in the 50 microM CoQ10 subgroup of sperm from asthenospermic men, with a motility rate of 35.7 +/- 19.5%, as compared to 19.1 +/- 9.3% in the controls (P < 0.05). The 17 patients with low fertilization rates after ICSI were treated with oral CoQ10, 60 mg/day, for a mean of 103 days before the next ICSI treatment. No significant change was noted in most sperm parameters, but a significant improvement was noted in fertilization rates, from a mean of 10.3 +/- 10.5% in their previous cycles, to 26.3 +/- 22.8% after CoQ10 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of CoQ10 may result in improvement in sperm functions in selective patients. Further investigation into the mechanisms related to these effects is needed.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Antioxidants; Coenzymes; Fertilization; Humans; Infertility, Male; Injections; Male; Sperm Motility; Ubiquinone

Defective sperm function in infertile men has been associated with increased lipid peroxidation and impaired function of antioxidant defenses in spermatozoa. Evidence strongly suggests that CoQ10, a lipid-soluble component of the respiratory chain acts, in its reduced form (ubiquinol), as a potent antioxidant in various biological systems, such as lipoproteins and membranes. In this study we assayed CoQ10 content in both the reduced and oxidized form (ubiquinol/ubiquinone), and hydroperoxide levels in seminal plasma and seminal fluid from 32 subjects with a history of infertility. Our results showed a significant correlation between ubiquinol content and sperm count (r = 0.62; P < 0.05) in seminal plasma. An inverse correlation between ubiquinol content and hydroperoxide levels both in seminal plasma and in seminal fluid (r = -0.56; P = 0.01) was found. Using multiple regression analysis we also found a strong correlation among sperm count, motility and ubiquinol-10 content (P < 0.01) in seminal fluid. An inverse correlation between ubiquinol/ubiquinone ratio and percentage of abnormal morphology was also observed in total fluid. These results suggest that ubiquinol-10 inhibits hydroperoxide formation in seminal fluid and in seminal plasma. Since peroxidation in sperm cells is an important factor affecting male infertility, ubiquinol could assume a diagnostic and/or a therapeutic role in these patients.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Coenzymes; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Infertility, Male; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Semen; Spermatozoa; Ubiquinone

The levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were determined by HPLC in seminal fluid samples obtained from 77 patients who performed a standard semen analysis for infertility, previous phlogosis or varicocele. CoQ10 was determined in total seminal fluid (n = 60), in seminal plasma (n = 44) and in the cell pellet (n = 37). The molecule, in total fluid, showed a linear correlation with sperm count and motility. In the pellet of spermatozoa, a trend toward an inverse correlation between CoQ10 (expressed as ng/10(6) cells) and semen parameters could be observed. A different pattern was shown in varicocele patients, in whom, in total fluid, the correlation between CoQ10 and sperm count was preserved, but the one between CoQ10 and sperm motility was lacking; moreover, a higher proportion of CoQ10 was present in seminal plasma, and the inverse trend between cellular CoQ10 and sperm count and motility was not observed. These data suggest a pathophysiological role of ubiquinone in human seminal fluid and a molecular defect in the spermatozoa of varicocele patients.

Topics: Adult; Coenzymes; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Infertility, Male; Inflammation; Male; Oligospermia; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Ubiquinone; Varicocele