Effect of trans-resveratrol on induced oxidative stress in human sperm and in rat germinal cells

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin with antioxidant properties. We evaluated resveratrol toxicity in swim-up selected human sperm and in rat spermatocytes and spermatids separated by the STAPUT method. Resveratrol antioxidant activity was tested against lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. LPO was evaluated using the C11-BODIPY581/591 probe and transmission electron microscopy in samples incubated with and without resveratrol. LD50 for human sperm and rat spermatids was 50 μM; spermatocytes were more sensitive to resveratrol cytotoxicity. Sperm motility increased progressively at 30 μM, 15 μM and 6 μM. 15 μM resveratrol acts against LPO, preserving sperm chromatin and plasma membranes. LPO were more marked in spermatocytes than in spermatids and the effect of resveratrol was more evident in spermatocytes. In this study, the scavenger properties of resveratrol were demonstrated in vitro in human sperm and rat germ cells, thus resveratrol could be added to the media used in assisted reproduction techniques and cryopreservation when oxidative stress is exacerbated.