IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF IRON EFFECT ON THE SPERMATOZOA MOTILITY PARAMETERS

Abstract

Iron (Fe) is an essential element but on the other hand it could induce changes in reproductive system. The general objective of this in vitro study was at first to examine dose- and time-dependent effects of iron (ferrous sulphate heptahydrate - FeSO4.7H2O) on the spermatozoa motility parameters, secondly expand the knowledge concerning direct action of this metal on the fertilization potential of the spermatozoa. The motility analysis was determined after exposure to concentrations of 3.9; 7.8; 15.6; 31.2; 62.5; 125; 250; 500; 1000 µmol.dm-3 of FeSO4.7H2O using the Sperm VisionTM CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer) system during different time periods (Time 0 h, 2 h and 24 h). The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was detected in the control group (95.41±1.32%) (Time 0 h). After 2 h of cultivation with ferrous sulphate heptahydrate the motility spermatozoa significantly (P<0.001) increased at the concentrations ≤ 125 μmol.dm-3. The experimental administration at the doses ≥ 125 μmol.dm-3 FeSO4.7H2O inhibited the overall percentage of spermatozoa motility during Time 24 h. The identical spermatozoa motility was detected also for the percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa during all time periods. Detailed evaluation of spermatozoa distance average (DAP) and velocity average (VAP) path as well as amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) revealed decrease in groups with concentrations ≥ 125 μmol.dm-3 FeSO4.7H2O in comparison with the control group during the long-term cultivation. Based on these results, we can conclude that the iron at the low concentrations maintains the spermatozoa motility parameters. This essential element has probably direct action on the fertilization potential of the spermatozoa, what could be used in assisted reproductive technologies.