Vitamin E and Selenium Injections Boost Sperm Health and Fertility

Jenn Hoskins
8th August, 2024

Vitamin E and Selenium Injections Boost Sperm Health and Fertility

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study conducted at Cairo University found that higher doses of vitamin E and selenium significantly improved the quality of both fresh and frozen semen in subfertile rabbits
  • Testosterone levels and total antioxidant capacity increased significantly in rabbits receiving higher doses of vitamin E and selenium by the second week of treatment
  • Fertility outcomes, including conception and kindling rates, were significantly higher in does inseminated with semen from rabbits treated with higher doses of vitamin E and selenium
Subfertility poses a significant challenge in the rabbit production industry, impacting productivity and economic viability. Recent research conducted by Cairo University aimed to explore the potential of vitamin E and selenium (Se) supplementation as a remedy for subfertility in rabbits[1]. This study sought to determine the effects of these antioxidants on various reproductive parameters, including testicular size, semen quality, semen freezability, antioxidant activity, testosterone levels, and overall fertility. The study involved 21 New Zealand rabbits identified as subfertile based on their semen characteristics and fertility records. These rabbits were divided into three groups: a control group (G1), a group injected with vitamin E (100 IU/head) and Se (0.1 mg/kg body weight) (G2), and a group injected with a higher dose of vitamin E (200 IU/head) and Se (0.2 mg/kg body weight) (G3). The injections were administered weekly for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly to measure serum testosterone levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), while semen samples were collected to assess the quality of fresh and frozen semen. At the end of the study, 150 multiparous does were artificially inseminated with fresh semen from the treated rabbits to evaluate fertility outcomes. The findings revealed that the higher dose of vitamin E and Se (G3) significantly improved the quality of both fresh and post-thaw semen compared to the other groups. Additionally, testosterone levels increased significantly in G3 by the second week of treatment. Fertility outcomes, including conception and kindling rates, were also significantly higher in does inseminated with semen from G3 compared to the other groups. Testicular morphology showed notable improvements in G3, indicating enhanced reproductive health. This study builds on previous findings regarding the protective effects of antioxidants on reproductive health. For instance, earlier research demonstrated that α-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) could mitigate hexavalent chromium-induced damage in the liver and kidney by inhibiting lipid peroxidation[2]. Similarly, selenium has been shown to play a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and improving semen quality under heat stress conditions in rabbits[3]. These studies underscore the importance of antioxidants in protecting and enhancing reproductive health. The current study's methodology involved regular assessments of semen quality and antioxidant markers, similar to the approach used in studies evaluating the effects of melatonin on sperm quality and DNA integrity in rabbits[4]. By incorporating weekly measurements and artificial insemination trials, the researchers ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the treatment's impact on fertility. In conclusion, the research conducted by Cairo University demonstrates that higher doses of vitamin E and selenium can significantly improve reproductive parameters in subfertile rabbits. This finding is particularly relevant for the rabbit production industry, offering a simple and effective intervention to enhance fertility and productivity. The study also reinforces the broader understanding of the role of antioxidants in reproductive health, aligning with previous research on the benefits of vitamin E and selenium in mitigating environmental and physiological stressors[2][3][4].

MedicineHealthAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Repeated injections of vitamin E and Se improves testicular morphology, testosterone and in vitro and in vivo sperm fertility in subfertile rabbits

Published 7th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10439-4

Related Studies

2) An evaluation of the protective role of α-tocopherol on free radical induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity due to chromium in rats.

https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.117778

3) Effects of Organic Selenium on the Physiological Response, Blood Metabolites, Redox Status, Semen Quality, and Fertility of Rabbit Bucks Kept Under Natural Heat Stress Conditions.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00290

4) Melatonin can improve viability and functional integrity of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa.

https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13853


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