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The effect of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the expression of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and GPX4 genes, and sperm parameters of fertile and infertile men: A controlled clinical trial
Fallahi, Soghra; Rajaei, Minoo; Hesam, Mohammad Javad; Koolivand, Mohsen & Malekzadeh, Kianoosh
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance occurring between the
creation and clearance of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is responsible for
30–40% of male infertility. The positive impact of phoenix dactylifera pollen (Date palm
pollen, DPP) on the improvement of sperm parameters has been well documented in
animal models.
Objective: For evaluating the effect(s) of DPP on sperm parameters, ROS levels,
expression of antioxidant genes, and activity of antioxidant enzymes of infertile men.
Materials and Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, a total of 60 male case with
infertility and 20 normospermic fertile men were recruited. Before and after the
treatment with DPP, the case were administered 400 mg/kg of gelatinous capsules
daily for 30 consecutive days and semen samples were taken. Quantitative real-time
polymerase chain reaction was applied for the evaluation of the mRNA expression
levels of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2), superoxide dismutase
(SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and catalase (CAT) genes.
Results: The mRNA expression levels of NRF2, SOD2, GPX4, and CAT (p < 0.05 for
all) and significantly increased after treatment with DPP. The increased expressions of
all antioxidant genes and enzymes significantly correlated with improvement in semen
parameters including count (p = 0.01), motility (p = 0.05), and morphology (p = 0.01) of
sperm. A significant correlation between the alteration of SOD2 gene expression and
SOD activity, GPX4 and GPX, and CAT were also observed (p = 0.05).
Conclusion: DPP can increase the expressions of NRF2, GPX4, SOD2, and CAT genes
and also improve the semen quality in infertile men.
Keywords
DPP; Male infertility; SOD2; NRF2; GPX4; CAT; ROS; Spermatozoa.
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