Antioxidant effects of Mn2+ and Cd2+ in the human spermatozoa

Gametes are susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS)attack. When manipulated in vitro during assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), these cells run the risk of generating and being exposed to supra-physiological level of ROS. It is clear that oxidative stress and free radicals can have a significant impact on artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. This study on the fresh human spermatozoa is undertaken to induce oxidative stress by nicotine,hydrogen peroxide, ferrous ascorbate (FeAA ) and combination of FeAA and nicotine.To reduce this caused stress byantioxidants(Mn2+ and Cd2+) in order to suggest the possible factor(s) /additive(s) for increasing the fertilizing potential which is otherwise decreasing in man. The results conclude that the antioxidants such as Mn2+ and Cd2+ serve as effective antioxidant therapies in human spermatozoa to overcome excessive ROS generation and the oxidative damages produced by them. It is suggested that antioxidantsupplementation could be of clinical importance in prolonging the spermatozoa storage for ART procedure.This research work will be helpful for the students,teachers,researchers, medical fraternity.