Probiotics Mitigation of Light Pollution-induced Oligospermia, Sexual Dysfunction, and Sperm DNA Damage Is Associated with TNF-α, IL-1β Expression and Na+/K+ ATPase Activity

Medubi, Leke Jacob; Medubi, Oluwatoyin Ojuolape

doi:https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.362

Volume 11, Issue 4 (11-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(4): 362-369 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.362

Ethics code: CMUL/ACUREC/01/15/1099

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Medubi L J, Medubi O O. Probiotics Mitigation of Light Pollution-induced Oligospermia, Sexual Dysfunction, and Sperm DNA Damage Is Associated with TNF-α, IL-1β Expression and Na+/K+ ATPase Activity. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (4) :362-369
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-411-en.html

Probiotics Mitigation of Light Pollution-induced Oligospermia, Sexual Dysfunction, and Sperm DNA Damage Is Associated with TNF-α, IL-1β Expression and Na+/K+ ATPase Activity

Leke Jacob Medubi ^*

, Oluwatoyin Ojuolape Medubi

University of Lagos , jmedubi@unilag.edu.ng

Abstract: (79 Views)

Background and Aim: Anthropogenic light pollution, an integral part of modern life, has been implicated in male reproductive dysfunctions. This study aimed to determine if augmenting gut microbiota during light pollution protects against male sexual and reproductive dysfunction and by what mechanisms.
Methods: Twenty sexually experienced Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were randomized into the C (control), ALAN, P (probiotics), and ALAN-P groups. The ALAN and ALAN-P groups were exposed to ALAN for 6 hours/night for 14 consecutive nights using white light of 2500 lm. Gut microbiota was supplemented in the ALAN-P group rats with a commercially available probiotic formulation of 13 bacterial species at 10⁷ colony-forming units every other day. Following euthanasia, ten percent of the right epididymal homogenates (centrifuged at 3000×g for 15 min) were prepared at 0 ^oC in phosphate buffer solution and used for biochemical assays. The Left caudal epididymides were used for sperm parameter measurements.
Results: Data analysis revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in sperm concentration, progressive motility, Na+/K+ ATPase activity, and fertility index; increased sperm DNA fragmentation, DNA oxidation, redox status, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the ALAN group relative to other groups, but with a significant improvement of these parameters in ALAN-exposed, probiotic-treated rats.
Conclusion: Light pollution impairs sperm concentration and quality through overexpression of proinflammatory markers, TNF-α, and the cytokine IL-1β, as well as DNA fragmentation and methylation. However, treatment with probiotics mitigates inflammation and protects against oxidative stress and DNA damage during light pollution.

Keywords: Epididymis, Sperm count, Sperm quality, Sexual behavior, Cytokines

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Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: General

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