Radio-Protective effect of aminocaproic acid in human spermatozoa

Abstract

Background

The negative effects of ionizing radiation on organs and the reproductive system are well known and documented. Exposure to gamma radiation can lead to oligospermia, azoospermia and DNA damage. Up to date, there is no effective pharmaceutical compound for protecting the male reproductive system and sperm.

Objective

This study aimed at investigating the ability of Ɛ-aminocaproic acid (EACA) to prevent the damage of human spermatozoa and DNA induced by ionizing radiation.

Materials and methods

Sperm samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (35 men; 31.50 ± 7.34 years old). There were four experimental groups: (1) control group (CG), (2) group exposed to maximal radiation dose 67.88 mGy (RMAX), (3) low-dose radiation (minimal) 22.62 mGy (RMIN), and (4) group treated with radiation (67.88 mGy) and EACA (dose 50 ng/mL). Sperm motility, viability, and DNA damage were assessed.

Results

We observed a significant decrease in total sperm motility of the RMAX group compared to CG (p < .05). Sperm viability in the RMAX group was also reduced in comparison to the control (p < .05). A significant increase in DNA fragmentation was detected in the RMAX group. The results demonstrated that the treatment of sperm with EACA led to a decrease in the fragmentation of the sperm DNA (compared to the RMAX group) (p < .05).

Conclusion

The results indicate that EACA effectively protects human spermatozoa from DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation. Treatment of spermatozoa with EACA led to the preservation of cell motility, viability, and DNA integrity upon radiation exposure.

Keywords:

• Ionizing radiation
• aminocaproic acid
• spermatozoa
• DNA
• motility

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University for the administrative and technical support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Timur Saliev

Timur Saliev, MD, Head of Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine named after B. Atchabarov, S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Ildar Fakhradiyev

Ildar Fakhradiyev, MD, Ph.D. Head of the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine named after B. Atchabarov, S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Shynar Tanabayeva

Shynar Tanabayeva, MD, Ph.D. doctoral student, Research Specialist of the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine named after B. Atchabarov, S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Yelena Assanova

Yelena Assanova, MD, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Research Specialist of the Laboratory of Embryo Transfer, F.M. Muhamedgaliev Institute of Experimental Biology, Clinic “Academy of Health”, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Dinmukhamed Toishybek

Dinmukhamed Toishybek, MD, Research Specialist of the Laboratory of Embryo Transfer, F.M. Muhamedgaliev Institute of Experimental Biology, Embryo Technology Labs, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Aigul Kazybayeva

Aigul Kazybayeva, MD, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Director of Clinic of Reproduction and Anti-Aging, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Baimakhan Tanabayev

Baimakhan Tanabayev, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the department of Normal Anatomy, South-Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

Marat Sikhymbaev

Marat Sikhymbaev, MD, Ph.D. doctoral student, S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Aliya Alimbayeva

Aliya Alimbayeva, MD, PhD, head of faculty of pediatrics of NCJSC Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan.

Yerzhan Toishibekov

Yerzhan Toishibekov, Doctor of Biology Sciences, Associate Professor, Director of F.M. Muhamedgaliev Institute of Experimental Biology, Almaty, Kazakhstan.