mohammadjavad hesam

The emergence of a new coronavirus, officially referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 ), has challenged all healthcare workers and clinicians worldwide. The presence of the virus in biological fluids including the semen has raised some concerns about infertility treatment. There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can damage the male reproductive system following the inflammatory process caused by the cytokine storm. However, the direct and long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on fertility and the reproductive capacity of the human testis are still open to controversy. The lasting presence of the virus, even after a complete recovery, can increase the risk of sexual transmission and adversely affect the male reproductive system, sexual function, and fertility. Therefore, there is a need for a careful assessment of reproductive organs and testicular function in male patients. This study aimed to evaluate the invasive effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the testis and male reproduction.

Based on past experience, in the context of epidemics, the nutritional status of individuals is considered as an indicator of resistance to critical situations. During quarantine, inappropriate eating patterns will increase calorie intake and lead to obesity. Unhealthy eating habits during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have raised the risk of obesity, followed by an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and lung disease. Certain nutrients or food combinations can affect the body by activating the cellular immune system, modifying the production of molecular signaling, and gene expression. Dietary supplements with vitamins, bioactive lipids, flavonoids, and herbs support the human immune system against COVID-19. Since there is still no definitive cure for COVID-19 infection and owing to obligatory symbiosis with this virus in the future, the behavior and attitude as well as the lifestyle of people to maintain their health should change. To achieve the desired goal, in the future, it is increasingly necessary to look for suitable and safe food products to strengthen the immune system against diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance occurring between the creation and clearance of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is responsible for 30-40% of male infertility. The positive impact of phoenix dactylifera pollen (Date palm pollen, DPP) on the improvement of sperm parameters has been well documented in animal models.

For evaluating the effect(s) of DPP on sperm parameters, ROS levels, expression of antioxidant genes, and activity of antioxidant enzymes of infertile men.

In this controlled clinical trial, a total of 60 male case with infertility and 20 normospermic fertile men were recruited. Before and after the treatment with DPP, the case were administered 400 mg/kg of gelatinous capsules daily for 30 consecutive days and semen samples were taken. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for the evaluation of the mRNA expression levels of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and catalase (CAT) genes.

The mRNA expression levels of NRF2, SOD2, GPX4, and CAT (p < 0.05 for all) and significantly increased after treatment with DPP. The increased expressions of all antioxidant genes and enzymes significantly correlated with improvement in semen parameters including count (p = 0.01), motility (p = 0.05), and morphology (p = 0.01) of sperm. A significant correlation between the alteration of SOD2 gene expression and SOD activity, GPX4 and GPX, and CAT were also observed (p = 0.05).

DPP can increase the expressions of NRF2, GPX4, SOD2, and CAT genes and also improve the semen quality in infertile men.