As women age, the immature egg cells in their ovaries, called oocytes, deteriorate and decrease in number, making it more difficult for them to fall pregnant naturally or with assisted reproductive treatment like IVF. A woman is born with a fixed number of oocytes, which mature from within a follicle found in the outside layer of the ovaries. During each reproductive cycle, several follicles begin to develop and, typically, one oocyte each cycle will become a mature egg and will become ovulated from its follicle. In the past the effect of spermidine on oocytes was unknown. In a new study researchers tested the compound on older mice to see what effect or benefits could be obtained. To determine whether the oocytes’ condition was related to reduced spermidine levels, the researchers injected some older mice with the compound. Compared to a control group, oocytes in the spermidine-boosted mice developed more quickly and had fewer defects. The mice also had more follicles, a measure often used in humans to estimate the number and quality of oocytes. The results were the same when spermidine was provided as an oral supplement in the mice’s drinking water. The researchers observed that spermidine improved the success rate of the formation of blastocysts, the cluster of dividing cells that develop into embryos, and that older mice who’d been given spermidine and then conceived naturally had around twice as many young per litter as control mice of the same age. The oocytes of spermidine-treated mice had recovered their ability to clear cellular debris, and mitochondrial function was enhanced. A similar effect was seen in pig oocytes placed under oxidative stress, a dominant feature of aging, suggesting that spermidine’s mechanism of action was similar across species. It was also found that spermidine-treated cells matured much slower than the untreated ones, further suggesting that the compound works with the cell’s clean-up processes to produce its anti-aging effects.
The following mechanisms of Spermidine have also been shown to affect fertility in general.
1. Antioxidant properties: Spermidine has antioxidant properties, which means it can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can negatively impact fertility by damaging sperm and eggs. By reducing oxidative stress, spermidine may help improve the quality of both sperm and eggs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
2. Autophagy induction: Spermidine has been found to induce autophagy, a cellular process that helps remove damaged or dysfunctional components. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of cells, including reproductive cells
3. Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation can have detrimental effects on fertility. Spermidine has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the reproductive system. By reducing inflammation, spermidine may create a more favorable environment for conception and pregnancy.
4. Hormonal regulation: Spermidine may also play a role in regulating hormone levels, including those involved in the reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility. By helping to regulate hormone levels, spermidine may improve fertility outcomes.
