AIMTo study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis.

METHODSFifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient's treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSAfter 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (17.0 +/- 5.2 vs. 29.8 +/- 6.5) and total progressive motility (19.0 +/- 7.8 vs. 34.8 +/- 6.8) were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded (2.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.2).

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function.

Adult ; Antioxidants ; therapeutic use ; Ascorbic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Asthenozoospermia ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Carica ; Humans ; Lactoferrin ; therapeutic use ; Leukocytosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Preparations ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; Treatment Outcome ; Vitamin E ; therapeutic use ; beta-Glucans ; therapeutic use