فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Objective: To investigate the impact of dietary deficiencies in vitamins B12 and B9 on trans-sulfuration enzymes (CBS and CSE), sperm function, oxidative stress, and DNA methylation in a mouse model.Materials and Methods: Male mice were fed either a standard chow diet or a diet deficient in vitamins B12 and B9. Sperm parameters, chromatin integrity (via acridine orange and aniline blue), lipid peroxidation, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS; assessed using DCFH-DA and BODIPY C11) were evaluated. Sperm DNA methylation was measured using immunofluorescence. Serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and testosterone were quantified. Expression of CBS, CSE, and HO-1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results: Mice on the vitamin-deficient diet (VBD group) exhibited significantly decreased sperm concentration and motility, along with increased morphological abnormalities, DNA damage, histone retention, and lipid peroxidation. Intracellular ROS levels did not differ significantly from controls. The VBD group also showed lower serum folate and B12, elevated homocysteine, and reduced testosterone levels. DNA methylation intensity in sperm was significantly decreased. Histological analysis revealed impaired testicular architecture and reduced spermatogenic indices. CSE gene expression was significantly downregulated, whereas CBS and HO-1 expression remained unchanged. Protein levels of CBS, CSE, and HO-1 showed no significant differences.Conclusion: Deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 negatively affect sperm quality and testicular function, likely through disrupted homocysteine metabolism and altered gene expression in the trans-sulfuration pathway. These findings underscore the importance of adequate B-vitamin intake for male reproductive health.