Is there a relation between serum methylarginine levels and infertility?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Infertility affects pregnancy potential despite regular intercourse.
• Methylarginines, including ADMA, SDMA, and L-NMMA, are products of arginine methylation.
• Evaluating arginine derivative levels is crucial for understanding fertility status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare arginine and methylarginine derivative levels in fertile and infertile men.
• To investigate the potential of these compounds as biomarkers for male infertility.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 30 oligozoospermia patients and 30 normozoospermic controls were analyzed.
• Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify methylarginines.
• Clinical and demographic data were collected concurrently.

Main Results:

• Serum ADMA levels were significantly elevated in the oligozoospermia group compared to the normozoospermia group (p=0.046).
• Positive correlations were found between ADMA and SDMA, HArg and SDMA, and citrulline and L-NMMA in oligozoospermic patients.
• Elevated ADMA levels were associated with lower sperm concentration.

Conclusions:

• Serum ADMA levels are significantly higher in men with oligozoospermia.
• ADMA may represent a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis of male fertility and infertility.