Oxidative stress and its correlation with sperm parameters in different semen quality groups

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Male infertility affects a significant portion of couples trying to conceive.
• Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key factor contributing to male reproductive dysfunction.
• Understanding the specific mechanisms of oxidative stress in infertile men is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress markers and sperm quality in infertile men.
• To assess the levels of lipid peroxidation and the activity of key antioxidant enzymes in seminal fluid.
• To correlate oxidative stress indicators with specific semen parameters.

Main Methods:

• 163 infertile men were recruited and categorized based on semen quality.
• Semen analysis included sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (WHO guidelines).
• Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

Main Results:

• Pathological semen groups showed significantly reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating lipid peroxidation, were observed in all pathological groups.
• Decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx) were noted, particularly in the most severe infertility cases.

Conclusions:

• Elevated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are strongly correlated with poor sperm quality in infertile men.
• Reduced antioxidant enzyme activity suggests a compromised defense against oxidative damage, contributing to sperm dysfunction.
• Antioxidant therapies hold potential for improving sperm quality and fertility outcomes in affected men, warranting further investigation.