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Different types of tissues respond differently to the action of oxidative stress. The visual system is very sensitive to oxidative action due to continuous exposure to light. In consideration of the growing interest of scientific studies towards various compounds endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we performed a review of the literature focusing on the use of some antioxidant molecules for the treatment of conditions affecting the visual system. In this study, we focused on the ability of two antioxidant agents, the small molecule ��-lipoic acid (ALA) and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), to influence the neurodegenerative physiological processes related to aging and oxidative stress affecting the ocular segment. The literature data report that ALA and SOD can protect against neurodegenerative effects both the optic nerve and retina and, if administered together, they are able to lower the levels of oxidative stress, thus preventing neurodegeneration and reducing the apoptotic process., EXCLI Journal; 21:Doc544; ISSN 1611-2156

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is widely used in many assisted reproduction units to preserve male fertility [1]. Vitrification is based on the ultrarapid freezing and is routinely assayed for cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology. Mohamed [2] showed that cryopreservation significantly affects progressive motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential of spermatozoa. Pentoxifylline (PX) is a phosphodiesterase considered to be a sperm movement enhancer, hyperactivation agent, inhibitor of reactive oxygen species and acrosome reaction-improving agent. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of in-vitro application of PX on sperm parameters and ultrastructure after vitrification. A total of 30 asthenozoospermic semen samples were selected and divided into two groups after vitrification: control (without PX) and experimental (with PX). A significant decrease in sperm motility, morphology and viability was observed post vitrification, but sperm motility was increased significantly following application of PX. On the other hand, PX did not exert any significant effect on the ultrastructure of the acrosome, plasma membrane and tail of vitrified spermatozoa., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 122, No. 1 (Supplement) 2017

To evaluate the effect of in vitro application of pentoxifylline (PX) on sperm parameters and ultrastructure after vitrification in asthenozoospermic patients.A total of 30 asthenozoospermic semen samples (aged 25-45 years) were divided into four groups before vitrification, after vitrification, control (without PX) and experimental (with PX). In experimental group, each sample was exposed for 30 min to 3.6mmol/l PX and the control group without any treatment apposing in 370C for 30 min. After incubation, the samples were washed and analyzed again. Vitrification was done according to straw method. Eosin-nigrosin and Papanicolaou staining were applied for assessment of sperm viability and morphology, respectively. The samples without PX and post treatment with PX were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).A significant decrease in sperm motility (Ple; .001), morphology (11.47plusmn; 2.9 versus 6.73plusmn; 2.01) and viability (73.37plusmn; 6.26 versus 54.67plusmn; 6.73) was observed post vitrification, but sperm motility (19.85plusmn; 4.75 versus 32.07plusmn; 5.58, Ple; .001) was increased significantly following application of PX. This drug had no significant (Pgt;.05) detrimental neither negative effect on ultrastructure acrosome, plasma membrane and coiled tail statues of spermatozoa.Vitrification had detrimental effects on sperm parameters, but PX reversed detrimental effects on sperm motility. However, PX had no alteration on ultrastructure morphology of human spermatozoa after vitrification.