Effect of Cholesterol, Iron and Vitamin E on Protamine Deficiency and DNA Fragmentation of Male Rabbit Sperm.

Background: The role of vitamin E as an antioxidant and iron-containing compounds on DNA is not well defined. So, recent study was carried out to determine the role of vitamin E and iron, as both separate and combined effect on sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation in male rabbits. Methods: This study included 42 male rabbits which were randomly divided into seven groups each containing six rabbits.They were all treated under special diets for 6 weeks. After this period the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed .The epididymis duct and vas deferens were dissected and their sperms were extracted from it by Ham's f10 solution. Sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were evaluated by the acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining, respectively. Findings: The mean values of protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in group that concomitant use of cholesterol and iron. In addition, Vitamin E as an antioxidant agent has a significant effect in reducing these damages. Conclusion: Vitamin E as an antioxidant, decrease sperm DNA damage resulting from the consumption of foods high in cholesterol and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]