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1 April 2006 Oleoylethanolamide Protects Human Sperm Cells from Oxidation Stress: Studies on Cases of Idiopathic Infertility
Annarina Ambrosini, Giovanna Zolese, Simona Ambrosi, Letizia Ragni, Luca Tiano, Gianpaolo Littarru, Enrico Bertoli, Franco Mantero, Marco Boscaro, Giancarlo Balercia
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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.

Annarina Ambrosini, Giovanna Zolese, Simona Ambrosi, Letizia Ragni, Luca Tiano, Gianpaolo Littarru, Enrico Bertoli, Franco Mantero, Marco Boscaro, and Giancarlo Balercia "Oleoylethanolamide Protects Human Sperm Cells from Oxidation Stress: Studies on Cases of Idiopathic Infertility," Biology of Reproduction 74(4), 659-665, (1 April 2006). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.105.046060
Received: 27 July 2005; Accepted: 1 December 2005; Published: 1 April 2006
KEYWORDS
male reproductive tract
sperm
sperm capacitation
sperm motility and transport
stress
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