1. ¹Human Pathologies and Oxidative Stress Unit, Superior Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax 3028, Tunisia
2. ²Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Reproductive Biology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Sfax 3028, Tunisia

Correspondence: Dr Ben A. Fatma, Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Reproductive Biology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Majida Boulila Street, Sfax 3028, Tunisia.
Fax: +216-7424-6217 E-mail: fatma_isbs@yahoo.fr; Prof. Ammar K. Leila, Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Reproductive Biology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Majida Boulila Street, Sfax 3028, Tunisia.
Fax: +216-7424-6217 E-mail: lkeskes@yahoo.fr

Received 14 June 2008; Revised 8 July 2008; Accepted 30 July 2008; Published online 19 January 2009.

Abstract

In vitro supplementation with date seed oil (DSO) can protect spermatozoa against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-mediated damage and can improve sperm function, possibly owing to antioxidant properties. We tested the antioxidant effects of DSO on human sperm motility, sperm viability, reacted acrosome and lipid peroxidation assessed in vitro after H₂O₂-mediated oxidative damage in spermatozoa. Sixteen patients (mean age: 35 years; range: 25–45 years) referred to the Histology–Embryology Laboratory of the Medicine Faculty of Sfax for semen analysis after 12–24 months of sexual intercourse without conception were selected. After spermiogram, sperm selection by two-interface discontinuous Sill Select gradient was performed, and selected spermatozoa were used in four experimental assays: control; incubation with 100 m H₂O₂; incubation with 0.1% DSO; and co-incubation with 0.1% DSO and 100 m H₂O₂. Motility and viability were determined using World Health Organization criteria. Acrosome reaction and lipid peroxidation were assessed by staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum and spectrophotometric measurement of malondialdehyde, respectively. Results showed that incubation with H₂O₂ alone led to a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (57.83%, P < 0.05) associated with a significant decrease in sperm motility, sperm viability (after 30 min and 24 h) and percentage of reacted acrosome (P < 0.05). Date seed oil improved sperm motility after 24 h of incubation (P < 0.05) and protected spermatozoa against the deleterious effects of H₂O₂ on motility, viability, acrosome reaction and lipid peroxidation. We conclude that supplementation with DSO may have a function in antioxidant protection against male infertility.