Effect of endotoxin-induced reactive oxygen species on sperm motility

Objective: To define the mechanism of infection-induced damage of sperm. Design: The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen spec ies (ROS) on sperm motility and its modification by scavengers were investi gated. Setting: Research laboratory of a university hospital. Patient(s): Normozoospermic semen samples were obtained from 37 healthy vol unteers. Intervention(s): The sperms were incubated in the presence of LPS with or w ithout scavengers. Main Outcome Measure(s): Sperm motility was evaluated by a sperm quality an alyzer (SQAIIB). ROS formation in semen samples was measured by a Berthold luminometer (LB953). Result(s): Motility of spermatozoa was decreased in the LPS-treated samples compared with that in the control groups. ROS was significantly higher in the LPS-treated groups than in the control groups. The addition of ROS scav engers restored the motility index and suppressed ROS production in the LPS -treated semen samples. Conclusion(s): These data suggest that endotoxin-induced excessive producti on of ROS is responsible for the decrease in sperm motility and that antiox idant therapy may be a therapeutic option for infertile men with bacterial genital tract infection. (C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medi cine.