H. Ghozzi

Bio: H. Ghozzi is an academic researcher from University of Sfax. The author has contributed to research in topics: Internal medicine & Superoxide dismutase. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 21 publications receiving 601 citations.

Sperm oxidative stress and the effect of an oral vitamin E and selenium supplement on semen quality in infertile men.

Abstract: Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects of antioxidant drugs on semen quality, but there is no well-defined therapeutical protocol in male infertility. This study aimed to test the effect...

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Biochemical and Anthropometric Parameters in Physically Active Men

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on several biochemical and anthropometric parameters in physically active men by comparing fasters and nonfasters before, during, and after Ramadan. Methods: Eighteen physically active men (10 fasters and 8 nonfasters) participated in this study. Subjects visited the laboratory for a total of four sessions on the following occasions: three days before Ramadan (Bef-R), the 15 th day of Ramadan (Mid-R), the 29 th day of Ramadan (End-R), and 21 days after Ramadan (Post-R). During each session, subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, completed a dietary questionnaire and provided a fasting blood sample. Results: Body weight and body fat percentage decreased in fasters by 1.9% (P<0.001) and 6.2% (P=0.003), respectively, but increased in nonfasters by 2.2% (P<0.001) and 10.2% (P=0.001), respectively, from Bef-R to End-R. Fasters’ hematocrit and hemoglobin increased by 5.3% (P<0.001) and 6.3% (P=0.01), respectively, from Bef-R to End-R, while neither of these parameters changed in nonfasters. Fasters experienced an increase in the following parameters from Bef-R to End-R: urea (8.7%; P<0.001), creatinine (7.5%; P<0.001), uric acid (12.7%; P<0.001), serum sodium (1.9%; P<0.001), serum chloride (2.6%; P<0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (27.3%; P<0.001). Of these parameters, only creatinine increased (4.4%; P=0.01) in nonfasters. Conclusions: We conclude that Ramadan fasting lowers body weight and body fat percentage and can elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in physically active men. However, practicing aerobic exercise during a hot and humid Ramadan month can induce a state of dehydration marked by an increase in some renal function markers and serum electrolytes.

Monitoring athletes’ hydration status and sleep patterns during Ramadan observance: methodological and practical considerations

Abstract: During Ramadan, dehydration and disturbed sleep patterns are common, so accurate reliable methods for the assessment of hydration and sleep of athletes are necessary to maintain performance. The purpose of this review is: (1) to identify appropriate tools/methods for monitoring hydration status and sleep in sports people; (2) to discuss which of these tools/methods can be confidently used by sport scientists and trainers during Ramadan; and (3) to discuss the possible link that may exist between sleep and hydration status. Several markers of hydration status are currently used and include body mass, plasma/serum osmolality, dilution techniques, and neutron activation analysis. Used in an appropriate context, all can be indicative of the hydration status in the laboratory. In the field, monitoring hydration status in physically active individuals and athletes may be performed using a combination of body mass with some measure of urine concentration (e.g. urine osmolality, urine-specific gravity, urine color) and sensation of thirst. During Ramadan, appropriate timing of sample collection and the use of reference methods in future studies are warranted. In the field, careful use of body mass in conjunction with urine indices may be used to monitor the hydration status of subjects practicing physical activity during Ramadan. There is a need for the use of polysomnography or actigraphy for sleep assessment during Ramadan in future laboratory-based studies of athletes. However, in the field, monitoring sleep–wake patterns may be performed using actigraphy and/or the PSQI questionnaire.

Oxidative stress and male infertility—a clinical perspective

Abstract: Oxidative stress occurs when the production of potentially destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the bodies own natural antioxidant defenses, resulting in cellular damage. Oxidative stress is a common pathology seen in approximately half of all infertile men. ROS, defined as including oxygen ions, free radicals and peroxides are generated by sperm and seminal leukocytes within semen and produce infertility by two key mechanisms. First, they damage the sperm membrane, decreasing sperm motility and its ability to fuse with the oocyte. Second, ROS can alter the sperm DNA, resulting in the passage of defective paternal DNA on to the conceptus. This review will provide an overview of oxidative biochemistry related to sperm health and will identify which men are most at risk of oxidative infertility. Finally, the review will outline methods available for diagnosing oxidative stress and the various treatments available.

Selenium in human health and disease.

Abstract: This review covers current knowledge of selenium in the environment, dietary intakes, metabolism and status, functions in the body, thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems and oxidative metabolism, and the immune system. Selenium toxicity and links between deficiency and Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease are described. The relationships between selenium intake/status and various health outcomes, in particular gastrointestinal and prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and male fertility, are reviewed, and recent developments in genetics of selenoproteins are outlined. The rationale behind current dietary reference intakes of selenium is explained, and examples of differences between countries and/or expert bodies are given. Throughout the review, gaps in knowledge and research requirements are identified. More research is needed to improve our understanding of selenium metabolism and requirements for optimal health. Functions of the majority of the selenoproteins await characterization, the mechanism of absorption has yet to be identified, measures of status need to be developed, and effects of genotype on metabolism require further investigation. The relationships between selenium intake/status and health, or risk of disease, are complex but require elucidation to inform clinical practice, to refine dietary recommendations, and to develop effective public health policies.

Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases

Abstract: The purpose of this evidence summary is to provide the best available information on the effect of anti-oxidants on mortality in patients with various diseases.

Antioxidant systems and oxidative stress in the testes.

Abstract: Spermatogenesis is an extremely active replicative process capable of generating approxi mately 1,000 sperm a second. The high rates of cell division inherent in this process imply correspondingly high rates of mitochondrial oxygen consumption by the germinal epithelium. However, the poor vascularization of the testes means that oxygen tensions in this tissue are low1 and that competition for this vital element within the testes is extremely intense. Since both spermatogenesis2 and Leydig cell steroidogenesis3,4 are vulnerable to oxidative stress, the low oxygen tension that characterizes this tissue may be an important component of the mechanisms by which the testes protects itself from free radical-mediated damage. In addition, the testes contain an elaborate array of antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers to ensure that the twin spermatogenic and steroidogenic functions of this organ are not impacted by oxidative stress. These antioxidant defence systems are of major importance because peroxidative damage is currently regarded as the single most important cause of impaired testicular function underpinning the pathological consequences of a wide range of conditions from testicular torsion to diabetes and xenobiotic exposure. This chapter sets out the specific nature of these antioxidant defence systems and also reviews the factors that have been found to impair their activity, precipitating a state of oxidative stress in the testes and impairing the latter’s ability to produce viable spermatozoa capable of initiating and supporting embryonic development.