Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Male Infertility: An Interventional Study

The study aims, in infertile men, (i) to assess oxidative stress parameters in semen plasma and (ii) to study the effect of antioxidants in those with abnormal semen parameters.

This was an interventional study.

Ninety men attending and infertility clinic in a tertiary center were enrolled in the study.

The present study was conducted in the departments of obstetrics and gynecology and biochemistry in a tertiary center. Ethical approval was obtained from the institute ethics subcommittee, and the study was conducted between July 2014 and July 2016. The study was conducted on two groups of 45 men with normal semen parameters in group 1 and 45 men with abnormal semen parameters in group 2.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) value was higher in men with abnormal semen parameters, which was statistically significant. The total antioxidant assay was higher in men with abnormal semen parameters, which was not statistically significant. Oxidative stress index (OSI) value was higher in men with normal semen parameters, which was not statistically significant. After 90 days of antioxidants therapy to men with abnormal semen parameters, MDA value decreased, total antioxidant assay increased, and OSI value decreased, which were statistically significant. Semen parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology improved after 90 days of antioxidant therapy, which were statistically significant.

Oxidative stress is increased in men with abnormal semen parameters. Antioxidant therapy improves sperm concentration and motility and decreases oxidative stress in the semen plasma.