The influence of macro and trace elements on sperm quality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Seminal plasma composition, including macro and trace elements, plays a crucial role in male reproductive health.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in male infertility.
• The interplay between metal concentrations, oxidative stress markers, and cytokine levels in fertile males requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between combined macro and trace element concentrations in seminal plasma and markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and cytokine levels in fertile males.
• To determine if higher metal levels correlate with altered seminal oxidative status, enzyme activity, and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• 88 fertile male volunteers were categorized into low (Me-L) and high (Me-H) metal level groups based on seminal plasma calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium.
• Measurements included total protein, albumin, total oxidation status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (total, Mn-SOD, CuZn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, IL-2, IL-5, IL-13).

Main Results:

• The Me-H group showed a trend towards reduced sperm motility.
• Significantly higher total protein, albumin, and TOS levels were observed in the Me-H group.
• Activities of total SOD, Mn-SOD, and CuZn-SOD in spermatozoa were significantly lower in the Me-H group.
• Seminal plasma showed higher Mn-SOD and lower CuZn-SOD activity in the Me-H group.
• GPx and GST activities were lower in the Me-H group.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12) were higher, while IL-2, IL-5, and IL-13 were lower in the Me-H group.

Conclusions:

• Elevated macro and trace elements in seminal plasma of fertile males are associated with decreased sperm motility.
• Higher metal concentrations correlate with increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, potentially impacting male fertility.