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Oleoylethanolamide Protects Human Sperm Cells from Oxidation Stress: Studies on Cases of Idiopathic Infertility¹

Institute of Biochemistry,³ Polytechnic University of Marche, 60100 Ancona, Italy Endocrinology,⁴ Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy Endocrinology,⁵ Department of Internal Medicine, Umberto I Hospital, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60100 Ancona, Italy Dipartimento di Biologia MCA,⁶ Università di Camerino, 62032 Camerino (Mc.), Italy

ABSTRACT

N-acylethanolamides are naturally occurring hydrophobic molecules usually present in a very small amount in many mammalian tissues and cells. The presence of N-acylethanolamides has also been demonstrated in human reproductive tracts and fluids, although their biological effects and molecular mechanisms of action are not yet completely elucidated. It is known that some N-acylethanolamides, such as oleoylethanolamide, have antioxidative properties. The aim of this study was to test whether oleoylethanolamide could protect sperm cells from reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative damage in cases of idiopathic infertility, because the excessive generation of these radicals was associated with this pathology. Our results show that 2.5 nM oleoylethanolamide in vitro supplementation significantly reduces DNA strand breaks both in fertile and infertile subjects. Moreover, oleoylethanolamide increases kinematic parameters, such as curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement and hyperactivation, both in the presence and in the absence of oxidative stress. Results of this study support the hypothesis of a possible protective action of oleoylethanolamide against reactive oxygen species, which could explain its beneficial effects on in vitro capacitated spermatozoa.

male reproductive tract, sperm, sperm capacitation, sperm motility and transport, stress

¹ Supported by Ministero dell'Istruzione, Università e Ricerca grant to G.Z.

² Correspondence: Annarina Ambrosini, Istituto di Biochimica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, I-60131 Ancona, Italy. FAX: 39 071 2204398; a.ambrosini{at}univpm.it

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