An In vitro Study on the Protective Effect of Melatonin on Human Sperm Parameters Treated by Cadmium

BACKGROUND: Male infertility account for nearly 50% of infertility cases. Cadmium is regarded as a well-known toxic metal for industrial applications; high amounts of cadmium in the human body can result in chronic toxicity. Melatonin as a free radical scavenger has anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer and antiapoptotic functions. AIM: In this work, we evaluated the protective effect of melatonin on human sperm parameters treated by cadmium. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: This was an experimental study carried out from May to December 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 fresh semen samples were collected from fertile men and were divided into 4 groups: (1) control, (2) sperm +25 Nm cd, (3) sperm +25 nM cd +0.1 mM melatonin,(4) sperm +0.1 mM melatonin treated for 60 min. In all groups, semen analysis was performed for motility, viability and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The groups were compared using the ANOVA test. RESULTS: The group treated with cadmium showed a significant decrease in rapid and slow motility, and survival rate compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, the degree of DFI and sperm with non-progressive motility in the group treated with cadmium had a significant increase compared to the control (P < 0.05). The use of melatonin significantly improved sperm parameters such as motility, survival rate and decreased sperm DFI with non-progressive motility. CONCLUSIONS: The use of melatonin reduces the amount of cadmium damage in human sperm in vitro.