Clinical Trial: A Preliminary Study on Effect of Omega-3 on Human Sperm
Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: Effect of Dietary Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Human Sperm Characteristics, a Preliminary Study
Brief Summary:
The phospholipids of mammalian spermatozoa possess a distinctive fatty acid composition with high proportion of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid composition is a major determinant of the membrane flexibility and sperm motility required for proper fertilization. It also influences the sperm plasma membrane's fluidity, chilling sensitivity and thermotropic lipid phase transition (LPT) and these parameters determine our ability to cryopreserve these cells. Our hypotheses is that by providing dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids an improvement of sperm parameters (number, motility, viability) can be achieved. We also expect alteration spermatozoal plasma membrane fatty acid composition, making it more chilling resistant.
Experimental methodology: 1) Characterize fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa of normal and abnormal spermatozoa by gas chromatography. 2) Characterize sperm plasma membrane LPT by FTIR spectrometer. 3) Run a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, crossed-over dietary fatty acid supplementation pilot trial in human sub-fertile patients. Large scale trial will follow, if justified. In both trials sperm characterization of each participant will be conducted before, during and following the trial.
Subfertile males will benefit greatly if their sperm parameters can be improved and cryopreserved while ensuring enhanced post-thawing survival. We believe that changing the fatty acid composition of sperm plasma membrane by simple dietary means will open the way to improve the fertility of those that needs it the most.
Detailed Summary:
The phospholipids of mammalian spermatozoa possess a distinctive and highly unusual fatty acid composition, the most unique feature of which is a very high proportion of long chain (C20-22) highly polyunsaturated fatty acyl groups. In most mammals, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6,n-3) is the dominant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) although, in several species, docosapentaenoic acid (22:5,n-6) is also a major component 2. The lipid composition is a major determinant of the membrane flexibility required for the characteristic flagella movement of spermatozoa and for the fusogenic properties of the membranes associated with the acrosome reaction and fertilization. In addition, it has been demonstrated that lipid-derived mediators are involved in various signal transduction mechanisms that regulate spermatozoa functions.
Sperm motility was therefore closely correlated with fertility, yet factors controlling sperm motility in humans are not fully understood 12. The amount of PUFA, mainly DHA, and to a lesser extent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was showed to be positively associated with sperm motility and essential for optimal fertility. The reduction in the amount of DHA in sperm lipids have been correlated with reduced sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility and the proportion of cells with normal morphology. In asthenozoospermic (poor sperm forward motility), the levels of DHA (and total PUFA) was found to be lower than in normozoospermic individuals despite similar serum fatty acid composition 18. Broiler spermatozoa rich in EPA or DHA or both showed significantly increased fertility following artificial insemination (AI).
Chilling injury to mammalian gametes has been described as the irreversible damage that occurs upon cooling to low, but non-freezing, temperatures. Several studies suggested that chilling injur
Sponsor: Hadassah Medical Organization
Current Primary Outcome: sperm count [ Time Frame: 10 weeks ]
Original Primary Outcome: Same as current
Current Secondary Outcome: sperm Lipid phase transition determination [ Time Frame: 10 weeks ]
Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current
Information By: Hadassah Medical Organization
Dates:
Date Received: May 28, 2007
Date Started: June 2007
Date Completion: June 2007
Last Updated: May 29, 2007
Last Verified: November 2006
