Reproduction is a fundamental biological process for the preservation of species, governed by numerous environmental and nutritional factors. Diet plays a crucial role in modulating fertility, influencing key parameters such as semen quality and spermatogenesis efficiency. This study explored the impact of feeding milk from four different mammals (donkey, human, goat and cow milk) on spermatogenesis in Rattus norvegicus (Wistar strain), using histomorphological and biochemical approaches. Our findings revealed a significant increase in the number of spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of rats fed with donkey and human milk, compared to controls (rats that have not received any milk) and the other two experimental groups. This effect seems to be linked to the peculiar nutritional profile of donkey milk, which is low in fat and calories but rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that are known for their beneficial effects on cell membrane fluidity, sperm quality, hormone synthesis, and protection from oxidative stress. The presence of essential minerals, high levels of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, and a high lysozyme content could further contribute to an optimal testicular microenvironment for spermatogenesis. The Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase a key enzyme in testosterone biosynthesis across all experimental classes. This was particularly evident in rats treated with donkey milk, with the exception of those fed with cow milk. In the latter, histological analysis revealed a marked deposition of fibrotic collagen in testis, suggesting a potential inflammatory state, in line with what has been observed in other tissues3. Overall, the data obtained suggest a positive effect of don- key and human milk on testicular function and spermatogenesis, paving the way for future studies on the nutraceutical use of specific foods to support male fertility.
The intake of milk from different animals impacts the spermatogenesis process in rats / Chianese, T; Rosato, G; Balsamo, S; Cimmino, F; Trinchese, G; Sgangarella Valvano, B; Boccia, S; Scudiero, R.; Rosati, L. - In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HISTOCHEMISTRY. - ISSN 2038-8306. - 69:Suppl. 1(2025), pp. 6-7.
The intake of milk from different animals impacts the spermatogenesis process in rats.
Chianese T;Cimmino F;Trinchese G;Scudiero R.;Rosati L
2025
Abstract
Reproduction is a fundamental biological process for the preservation of species, governed by numerous environmental and nutritional factors. Diet plays a crucial role in modulating fertility, influencing key parameters such as semen quality and spermatogenesis efficiency. This study explored the impact of feeding milk from four different mammals (donkey, human, goat and cow milk) on spermatogenesis in Rattus norvegicus (Wistar strain), using histomorphological and biochemical approaches. Our findings revealed a significant increase in the number of spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of rats fed with donkey and human milk, compared to controls (rats that have not received any milk) and the other two experimental groups. This effect seems to be linked to the peculiar nutritional profile of donkey milk, which is low in fat and calories but rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that are known for their beneficial effects on cell membrane fluidity, sperm quality, hormone synthesis, and protection from oxidative stress. The presence of essential minerals, high levels of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, and a high lysozyme content could further contribute to an optimal testicular microenvironment for spermatogenesis. The Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase a key enzyme in testosterone biosynthesis across all experimental classes. This was particularly evident in rats treated with donkey milk, with the exception of those fed with cow milk. In the latter, histological analysis revealed a marked deposition of fibrotic collagen in testis, suggesting a potential inflammatory state, in line with what has been observed in other tissues3. Overall, the data obtained suggest a positive effect of don- key and human milk on testicular function and spermatogenesis, paving the way for future studies on the nutraceutical use of specific foods to support male fertility.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
