Effect of vitamin E on human sperm motility and lipid peroxidation in vitro

Aim: To assess the protective efficacy of vitamin E to counteract the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated damage onsperm motility, viability and lipid peroxidation. Methods: Human semen samples were obtained from the local hospi-tal. The split seminal fractions freed of seminal plasma were reconstituted in Ringer-Tyrode and subjected to varied vita-min E concentrations (0.1 - 2 mmol/L). Results: Dose-dependent improvement in both motility and viability accom-panied by concomitant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA--an end product of lipid peroxidation) following vitamin Esupplementation was noticed. Conclusion: Vitamin E protects against the ROS mediated damage on spermatozoa.Vitamin E supplementation could be of clinical importance for prolonged spermatozoal storage whenever needed. (AsianJ Androl 1999 Sep; 1: 151 - 154 )