Effect of liposomal resveratrol on sperm cell motility

Background: Resveratrol is found to have antioxidative properties and is reported as a protective pharmacological agent against several diseases. It is however a lipophilic and unstable substance because of its photosensitivity. In order to enhance the drug stability, solubility and to deliver the drug in the targeted area, it can be incorporated in a nano-sized vesicle of liposome formulations. The aim of this study was to identify whether the antioxidants such as resveratrol liposomal formulation has some in vitro effects on the motility and viability in human spermatozoa. Well known antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, were also included for comparison. Materials and methods: The liposomal formulation of resveratrol was prepared in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy. Four drug samples, resveratrol-loaded liposomes, empty liposomes, vitamin C and vitamin E were used at three concentrations (1, 10, and 100 ug/mL). Seventeen semen samples obtained from the IVF clinic, University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN) were studied. After purification of the semen samples, sperm cells were treated with specified drug concentration in a 96 well plate. The motility of the sperm cells was observed with the microscope after 24 and 48 hours incubation at 5% CO2 and 37C. The current work was approved by regional ethic committee (REK), REK-2014/032 REK Nord. Results: Among more than 90% motile spermatozoa immediately after purification decreased to 35.5% after 24 hours under the normal in vitro conditions. Sperm cells containing antioxidants were found to be significantly less motile and significantly more immotile as compared to controls. No significant differences were seen between empty liposomes and control groups. After 48 hours of incubation, in the control group, 9.3% of spermatozoa were motile. Sperm cells containing the drug samples (empty liposomes, resveratrol, vitamin C and vitamin E) were significantly less motile and significantly more immotile especially at the highest concentration (100 ug/mL) as compared to the control. Conclusion: The direct antioxidant treatment on sperm cells did not improve the motility or viability of spermatozoa in vitro. Although we did not study the use of antioxidants for the IVF outcome, the use of such antioxidant substances in the semen sample purification media should be avoided in the IVF procedure