The powerful antioxidant capacity of glutathione supports healthy male fertility
One of the most widely utilised and effective antioxidant is glutathione (GHS). Present in fungi, animals, plants, and some bacteria, glutathione prevents cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species. A non-essential nutrient, the body is able to produce glutathione. However, it relies on the availability of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid for synthesis. For that reason, it is known as a tripeptide. Cysteine is often the limiting factor in cellular glutathione synthesis as this amino acid is typically scarce in food sources.
Glutathione plays a key role in many processes. It is needed for tissue repair and building, enzymatic reactions, and immune function. This important antioxidant is also vital for preserving male fertility. Glutathione has distinctive antioxidative, detoxifying and immunological properties.
It is the only key antioxidant, which acts inside the cell. All other antioxidants work outside the cell membranes.
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Male infertility and glutathione
Human spermatozoa are encased in a membrane of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These acids are highly susceptible to oxidative stress as a result of lipid peroxidation. This free radical damage degrades the sperm membrane. As a result, sperm motility decreases, abnormal sperm morphology increases, there is a reduction in oocyte penetration capacity, and infertility results. Consequently, spermatozoa and seminal plasma contain several antioxidant enzymes. These include glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase.
The pathogenesis of male infertility is thought to be influenced by imbalances between antioxidant defence and pro-oxidative stress. There has been a lot of research into the relationship between glutathione and male infertility. In 2011, Naher and colleagues published their research evaluating a correlation between infertility and glutathione levels[1]“Naher, Z. et.al. (2011). Role of glutathione in male infertility. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Biochemistry, Volume 4, Issue 2, (pp. 20-25).”.
Thirty-one infertile males and thirty fertile males of similar age participated in the study. Medical history was collected and a comprehensive semen analysis performed for each participant. To determine antioxidant capacity, seminal plasma and erythrocyte glutathione concentrations were measured.
Results
This study found:
- Sperm count and semen volume was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in the infertile group compared with the control group.
- The percentage of men with abnormal sperm motility and morphology was higher in infertile males compared with fertile males.
- There was little deviation in the median erythrocyte glutathione levels between the two groups. However, glutathione concentrations within seminal plasma were significantly suppressed (1.64 (0.23-7.50)) within the infertile group compared with the control (4.26 (2.32-7.50)) mg/dl (p<0.001).
This study has shown that low seminal plasma glutathione levels are associated with abnormal values for sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility and morphology. Higher levels of seminal plasma glutathione corresponded with healthy, fertile men in this study. This research suggests that the concentration of glutathione in seminal plasma may impact male fertility.
Glutathione, stress and fertility
A study published in 2005 highlighted the negative influence stress has on male fertility and seminal glutathione[2]”Eskiocak, S., et al. (2005). Glutathione and free sulphydryl content of seminal plasma in healthy medical students during and after, Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Issue 9, (pp. … Continue reading. Thirty-four healthy medical students participated in this study.
Semen samples were collected during the fourth trimester, 3 weeks prior to their final examinations (stress period) and three months after the exams (non-stress period). Researchers measured standard semen parameters, as well as the concentration of glutathione within seminal plasma.
Results
The study found:
- In the period leading up to exams, seminal plasma glutathione levels were low and sperm motility was reduced.
- The percentage of abnormal sperm was higher in samples collected during the stress period, compared with the non-stress period.
This study has shown that during periods of examination stress, seminal plasma glutathione concentrations decline. There is also a corresponding reduction in sperm quality.
During periods of stress, free radical activity increases. This may lead to a depletion of glutathione as it works to minimise oxidative stress, leaving spermatozoa vulnerable to damage.
Glutathione and sperm motility
There are been several studies investigating the effects of glutathione supplementation of male fertility. In one study, men suffering from subfertility as a result of germ-free genital tract inflammation (INF) or unilateral varicocele (VAR) were administered glutathione[3]“Lenzi, A. et.al (1993). Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility. Human Reproduction, Volume 8, Issue 10, (pp. 1657-67).”.
Twenty men participated in the placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over trial. They either received a placebo or 600 mg of glutathione daily over a period of two months, and then crossed over to the alternative treatment. Before and during the trial, standard semen analysis was performed.
Results
The study found:
- Men receiving glutathione treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in sperm motility compared with the control group. The percentage of forward motility was particularly enhanced.
The research suggests that glutathione therapy may be helpful for improving fertility in men suffering from INF and VAR. These results may also have wider implications as a deficiency in glutathione causes the sperm mid-piece to become unstable. This causes defective motility and morphology, ultimately lowering fertility. Based on this evidence, glutathione is necessary to support healthy fertility in all men.
Sources of glutathonine
To boost glutathione levels it’s important to eat food rich in the amino acid cysteine. Good sources include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, avocados, peaches, watermelon, tomatoes, peas, garlic, and onions.
Summary
Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant and essential for protecting the body. There is a clear link between low seminal plasma glutathione levels and abnormal sperm parameters. Preliminary research suggests that glutathione supplementation may help to elevate male fertility by protecting spermatozoa. More clinical trials are necessary.
Bibliography
Dr. Kooner is Deputy Director of The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago and has been a Specialist in Fertility Treatment since 1999.
As well as the areas that the clinic specialises in general, he is particularly interested in managing oocyte donation, female same-sex couples, single women having sperm donation and those considering egg freezing.
Dr. Kooner regularly speaks at fertility meetings. He has published in national journals and constantly contributes to the fertility research and publications from Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago.
References
↑1 | “Naher, Z. et.al. (2011). Role of glutathione in male infertility. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Biochemistry, Volume 4, Issue 2, (pp. 20-25).” |
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↑2 | ”Eskiocak, S., et al. (2005). Glutathione and free sulphydryl content of seminal plasma in healthy medical students during and after, Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Issue 9, (pp. 2295-600.” |
↑3 | “Lenzi, A. et.al (1993). Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility. Human Reproduction, Volume 8, Issue 10, (pp. 1657-67).” |