The impact of selenium and astaxanthin on sperm parameters and sensory-motor function recovery in spinal cord injured rats
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant medical and social issue, leading to varying degrees of sensory and motor impairments. Most men experience sexual dysfunction and fertility problems. These issues can be partially attributed to pathophysiological mechanisms, including damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeted antioxidant therapy can significantly reduce oxidative stress and neuro inflammation. This study sought to examine the impact of selenium and astaxanthin on sperm parameters and the recovery of sensory-motor function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).
This experimental study utilized the rat animal model and was carried out at the Neuroscience Research Center Laboratory of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 30, 2022, to November 27, 2023. Fifty adults male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of ten: control, sham, SCI, selenium-supplemented, and astaxanthin-supplemented. Except for the control and sham groups, spinal cord injury was induced in all other groups. Six weeks after the injury and upon completion of the treatment, the effects of selenium and astaxanthin supplementation on sperm parameters and spinal cord repair were assessed. The Basso, Beattie, and Brenham (BBB) scale was employed to evaluate motor function, while the Von Frey test was utilized to assess sensory status.
A considerable rise in sperm concentration was noted in both the selenium-fed group and the astaxanthin-fed group when compared to the spinal cord injury group (P=0.001). Supplementation with selenium and astaxanthin improved sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability, bringing these parameters close to control levels (P<0.001). However, neither of these substances had an effect on abnormal sperm morphology (P>0.05). Both selenium and astaxanthin supplementation enhanced the motor and sensory functions of the injured rats (P<0.001), with selenium showing a greater role in promoting repair compared to astaxanthin (P<0.001).
Selenium and astaxanthin supplements improved sperm parameters, except for sperm morphology, and were effective in enhancing motor and sensory functions after spinal cord injury. Selenium was found to be more effective than astaxanthin in promoting spinal cord repair.
-
The Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract Ointment on Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Fatemeh Cheshfar, *, Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Shirin Hasanpour, Yousef Javadzadeh
Journal of Caring Sciences, Sep 2023 -
Studying Psychological Issues Related to the First Childbirth and Its Relationship with Favorite of the Kind of Next Childbirths in Women Referring Ghamar-e Bani Hashem Hospital, Khoy, Iran
Zoleykha Asgarlou, Shirin Hasanpoor, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Mohammad Arzanlou, *
Journal of Pediatric Perspectives, Jul 2021