Alterations in Semen Quality by Antioxidants in Stressed Healthy Individuals

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the role of antioxidants in current therapeutic use on stress induced by exercise on sperm profile. 68 unmarried healthy medical students between 18-24 years of G.S.V.M Medical College who with informed written consentacted as volunteers for study duration of 90 days. Their identities were strictly confidential and were selected randomly. Complete and fresh specimen semen was collected by accepted method of masturbation after abstinence for more than 3 days. Two samples were taken first on commencement and second on conclusion of 3 monthperiod. The subjects have been divided into 4 groups of 17 subjects in a single blinded study. Group I- control and were administered placebo capsules containing arrow root powder. Group II-administered placebo capsules and performed moderate exercise daily for 30 minutes for 3 months on a bicycle ergo meter with persistent increase in heart rate 30 to 50 per minute above their basal heart rate. The subjects carried out exercised for 30 minutes or exercise was stopped due to pain. Group III- carried out the exercise with the same protocol as in group II and were given 1 capsule daily of antioxidant preparation, ECarotin (Franco Indian Pharmaceuticals, India) composition Beta carotene 10 mg, vitamin E acetate I.P. 25 mg, Vitamin C I.P.150 mg, Selenium dioxide monohydrates U.S.P. 75 mcg, Zinc sulphate monohydrate U.S.P. 61.8 mg (equivalent to elemental zinc 22.5 mg). Group IV - Subjects of this group did not perform any exercise and were administered 1 capsule daily of ECarotin. The following physical features of the ejaculate were recorded Color, Liquefaction Time, pH, Volume Microscopic Examination included Sperm Count, Motility, Sperm morphology while Biochemical estimation done for seminal fluid Fructose. A statistically significant (p < .005)decrease in sperm countin group II (exercising and taking placebo) and group III (exercising and taking [ECarotin]) but group IV taking only (ECarotin) showed a significant increase in sperm count (p < 0.05).Group’s III and IV consuming antioxidant (ECarotin) showed a significant increase in the number of motile sperms (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the number of non-motile/dead sperms (p < 0.05). Most of the subjects had pus cell in mild to moderate quantity.