Modern dietary trends have increased the n-6/n-3
PUFA ratio from 10:1 to 25:1 in westernized human
populations [16]. Tian et al. [11] suggested that a diet
with a low ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFAs at about 0.5-1:1 during
both maternal pregnancy and lactation may be more
beneficial for early development; our results regarding
the ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFA at 1.52 are consistent with
the previous findings. Other studies have reported that
diets with high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios may enhance the
risk for both depression and inflammatory diseases [41],
while a low ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs improved growth
and development of murine offspring [13], as well as
several metabolic parameters in adulthood [14] and human
health [16,19]. Results of this study clearly indicate
that the ratios of n-3/n-6 PUFAs in the diet have a great
influence on sperm quality traits and reproductive performance,
and that a n-3/n-6 PUFAs ratio of 1.52 improved
the reproductive capacity of male rats.
Conclusions
In conclusion, intake of an appropriate n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio
in the diet of rats increased sperm characteristics and
enhanced the structure integrity of testis and sperm,
thereby improving reproductive performance, which may
be related to changes in hormone metabolism. These findings
provide a sound basis that a balanced n-3/n-6 PUFA
ratio will be beneficial to male reproduction. Therefore
there is a necessity to determine an appropriate n-3/n-6
PUFA ratio in man and different male animals in the
future.