Clinical Trial: Study the Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Enzymes of Nitric Oxide Pathway

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Study the Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Enzymes of Nitric Oxide Pathway

Brief Summary: The ability of spermatozoa to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been respected since the 1940's. Oxidative stress limits the functional competence of mammalian spermatozoa via lipid peroxidation, the induction of oxidative DNA damage and the formation of protein adducts. Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical generated from the oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent NO synthases. Several studies suggest that the overproduction of this free radical and the subsequent excessive exposure to oxidative conditions have a potential pathogenetic implication, which due to the reduction of sperm motility. The present study was conducted to study the effect of Zn supplementation on the levels of NO synthase and arginase in semen of patients with asthenozoospmia.

Detailed Summary: Previous studies suggest that high concentrations of NO play an injurious consequence on spermatozoa kinetic characteristics. These studies reported that NO may react with superoxide or hydrogen peroxide, resulting in the production of peroxinitrite, hydroxyl radical, or singlet oxygen, which cause oxidation of sperm membrane lipids and thiol proteins. NO also may inhibit cellular respiration by nitro-sylation of heme in mitochondrial enzymes, aconitase, and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to a reduction of adenosine triphosphate and that is due to loss of motility of spermatozoa.
Sponsor: Babylon University

Current Primary Outcome: Nitric oxide synthase activity [ Time Frame: at the end of three months ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Arginase activity [ Time Frame: at the end of three months ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Babylon University

Dates:
Date Received: September 9, 2012
Date Started: July 2011
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 11, 2012
Last Verified: September 2012