Seminal oxidative stress in patients with chronic prostatitis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Prostatitis is suspected to impact male fertility, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
• Granulocytes in prostatic fluid associated with prostatitis generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can harm sperm function.
• This study investigates the role of oxidative stress in chronic prostatitis and its potential link to male infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in men with chronic prostatitis versus healthy controls.
• To evaluate a novel oxidative stress index (ROS-TAC score) in these groups.
• To explore the relationship between prostatitis, oxidative stress, and male infertility.

Main Methods:

• Semen specimens were analyzed from 36 men with chronic prostatitis, 8 with prostatodynia, and 19 controls.
• Leukocytospermia was assessed using the Endtz test (myeloperoxidase assay).
• ROS and TAC levels were measured via chemiluminescence assay, and a composite ROS-TAC score was calculated.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, or morphology were observed between groups.
• Patients with chronic prostatitis exhibited significantly higher ROS levels and lower TAC compared to controls.
• The ROS-TAC score was significantly lower in patients with chronic prostatitis, indicating higher oxidative stress, regardless of leukocytospermia status.

Conclusions:

• Men with chronic prostatitis or prostatodynia demonstrate seminal oxidative stress.
• This oxidative stress is present irrespective of leukocytospermia.
• These findings may help clarify the association between prostatitis and male infertility.