Background: Infertility is a major worldwide problem which is affected by several factors such as environmental, physiological, and genetic conditions. Some studies have shown a correlation between male infertility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, it was noted in several studies that the level of antioxidants and the antioxidant capacity in seminal fluid in infertile people is lower than usual.
Lycopene is an aliphatic hydrocarbon that acts as an antioxidant defense against lipid peroxidation. Few studies have shown that lycopene may improve male infertility by increasing the antioxidant capacity of sperm.Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress.Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study included 44 infertile men with oligozoospermia who were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group was supplemented with 25 mg lycopene once a day and the control group received placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, physical activity and dietary assessment, semen analysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured before and after the study. Independent t-test was used to analyze the initial variables, diet, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the two groups. Paired t-test was used to compare the variables at the beginning and the end of intervention in each group. P<0.05 was considered as significant.Results: At the end, 38 subjects completed the study: 19 in the lycopene group and 19 in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in weight, body mass index, body fat and physical activity at the end of the study in either groups. Mean energy and carbohydrate intake in both groups were significant at the beginning and the end of the study. However, protein, fat, and lycopene intake were not significantly different before and after the intervention. At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in total sperm count and concentration of sperm in the lycopene group compared with the placebo group, and after adjustment, it was also significant. Also, the within-group analysis showed a significant increase in ejaculate volume, total sperm count, concentration and non-progressive motion in lycopene group. TAC level changes in the two groups were significant, and after adjustment it was also significant. Also, Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in TAC level.Conclusion: According to the current study, lycopene supplement could improve sperm parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.