Relationship between human sperm lipid peroxidation, comprehensive quality parameters and IVF outcome

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Human sperm membranes are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them vulnerable to lipid peroxidation.
• Lipid peroxidation can negatively impact sperm function and male fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sperm lipid peroxidation levels and semen quality parameters.
• To determine the relationship between lipid peroxidation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates.
• To evaluate a novel IVF fertilization index based on lipid peroxidation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of semen samples from 45 male partners undergoing IVF.
• Measurement of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance (TBARS) concentration as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.
• Evaluation of semen quality through routine, biochemical, cytological, and ultramorphological analyses.
• Correlation analysis between TBARS levels and semen parameters/IVF fertilization rate.

Main Results:

• Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) showed a negative correlation with total sperm count, semen volume, zinc/fructose ratio, and sperm acrosome/axonema integrity.
• Higher TBARS concentrations were associated with lower IVF fertilization rates.
• Patients with successful fertilization had significantly lower TBARS levels than non-fertilizing patients.
• A new IVF fertilization index based on lipid peroxidation demonstrated 93% predictive power (94% sensitivity, 92% specificity).

Conclusions:

• Lipid peroxidation detrimentally affects sperm ultramorphology and male fertilization potential.
• Seminal fluid components, potentially from prostatic secretions, may protect sperm from lipid peroxidation.
• The established IVF fertilization index holds promise for predicting IVF success and warrants further clinical validation.