[Selenium correction of male subfertility]

To study the effect of selenium in subfertile men, three groups of men were studied. Group 1--31 subfertile men living in healthy environment, group 2--25 subfertile men exposed for a long time to low doses of gas containing hydrogen sulfide, group 3--control 43 fertile men. Men of groups 1 and 2 received 3 courses of selenium (3.5 microg/kg/day for 30 days). Before the treatment and after each course ejaculate fertility was assessed by spermogram, enzyme activity of alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), concentrations of prostatic acid phosphatase, sperm-specific inhibitor tripsin and prostate-specific antigen. Selenium proved effective, the response being higher in group 2 than in group 1. The causes of this difference are discussed. It is thought possible to use selenium for correction of some subfertility forms in men.