Probiotic Effects on Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress index, Inflammatory Factors and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men

Abstract Background: Impaired sperm production, decreased sperm motility, and increased oxidative stress levels are the main causes of male infertility. To evaluate effects of supplementation with probiotic on the spermatogram, seminal oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory factors and reproductive hormones. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial, 52 idiopathic asthenozoospermia men, attending urology clinic, were randomly assigned to one of intervention and placebo (n =26) groups. Participants in the intervention group took daily 500 mg Probiotic and those in the placebo group took daily placebo for 10 wk. Semen parameters, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors, reproductive hormones, anthropometric and physical activity assessments were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Out of 52 who participated in this study, 25 men in the intervention group and 25 men in the control group completed the protocol of the study. After the intervention, ejaculate volume, number, concentration and the percentage of motile sperm, total antioxidant capacity of plasma significantly increased in the intervention group and the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers significantly decreased in the intervention group. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation in infertile men, leading to significant increase in concentration and motility and significant reduce in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Possibly oral intake of probiotic has the potential to be one of the ways to deal with oxidative damage sperm of infertile men.