Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial.

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Coenzyme Q10 improves seminal oxidative defense but does not affect on semen parameters in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence show the implication of oxidative stress in the etiology of male infertility. Recently, the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the prevention and treatment of disease has been intensively probed. However, definitive efficacy studies in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) have not been completed yet. AIM: To evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on semen parameters in idiopathic OAT (iOAT). MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of 47 infertile men with iOAT were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg CoQ10 daily or placebo during a 12- week period. Semen parameters were determined using microscopic evaluation according to World Health Organization guidelines. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde. We evaluated the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma. To compare variables between and within the 2 groups we used independent t-test and Paired t-test. RESULTS: The trial showed non-significant changes in semen parameters of CoQ10 group. However, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in serum of treated groups compared with the control. Furthermore, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma significantly increased in the CoQ10 group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results provide further evidence suggesting that CoQ10 supplementation is associated with alleviating oxidative stress, although it does not show any significant effects on sperm concentration, motility and morphology. It may be suggested that CoQ10 could be taken as an adjunct therapy in cases of OAT. Further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion.

Prevalence of obesity in Iran.

Recent descriptive studies suggest that Iran has geared in the nutrition and epidemiological transition processes. Therefore, while the problems of undernutrition (e.g. growth retardation and micronutrient deficiencies) still exist, the burden of overweight/obesity and diet-related chronic diseases is increasing. The prevalence of overweight (body mass index > or = 85th reference percentiles) among urban 15-39 and 40-69 year olds is estimated at about 22% and 40% respectively. Corresponding values in rural areas are 16% and 26%. The transition seems faster among female population at national level. There are however, great differences between different provinces. Urgent preventive strategies are needed to simultaneously tackle both forms of malnutrition in the country.