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چکیده
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Background: Cadmium is an environmental pollutant that negatively impairs male fertility. Its bioaccumulation in plants and aquatic organisms allows it to enter the human food chain, affecting human health. Epidemiological studies show a correlation between cadmium exposure and male infertility induced by oxidative stress. This study examines the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, on oxidative stress markers and human sperm parameters treated with cadmium. Materials and Methods: Human semen samples were washed with Ham’s F10 and divided into 5 groups: 1) 0-hour group, 2) Control group, 3) Spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (10 μm), 4) Spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (10 μm) + ALA (50 μm), and 5) Spermatozoa treated with ALA (50 μm). Groups 2-5 were incubated at 37°C for 180 minutes. Vital sperm parameters (motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation), and oxidative stress markers [(total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] were assessed in the sperm samples. Results: Cadmium significantly (P<0.001) decreased sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to the control group. Cadmium also significantly increased the level of MDA and decreased the TAC level compared to the control group. ALA significantly reversed the toxic effects of cadmium chloride on the sperm parameters compared to the cadmium group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cadmium-induced toxicity in human vital sperm parameters is mediated by oxidative stress, and ALA, as a potent antioxidant, ameliorates the detrimental effects of cadmium. Exploring the efficacy of ALA in combination with other antioxidants may provide a more comprehensive approach to preserving male fertility in environments with cadmium exposure.
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