Severe antioxidase deficiency in human semen samples with pathological spermiogram parameters

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) play crucial roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
• Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, which can impair male fertility.
• Reduced antioxidant capacity in seminal plasma and sperm has been implicated in various male infertility conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the activity of SOD and CAT in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of infertile men.
• To compare antioxidant enzyme levels between fertile and infertile individuals, including those with specific sperm pathologies.
• To explore the potential association between antioxidant enzyme deficiencies and oncological conditions in female partners.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 103 ejaculates from infertile patients and fertile individuals.
• Separation and purification of spermatozoa using Percoll gradient.
• Determination of SOD and CAT activities in seminal plasma and sperm supernatants.
• Classification of semen samples according to WHO criteria.
• Examination of a subgroup of 40 individuals whose female partners had cervical malignancies.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in seminal plasma SOD levels was observed in primary infertility cases.
• Catalase deficiency was associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), a combined sperm pathology.
• SOD and CAT concentrations were reduced by 10-70% in an oncological subgroup compared to normozoospermia.
• Complete depletion of both SOD and CAT was noted in four OAT samples from the oncological subgroup.

Conclusions:

• Catalase deficiency is linked to severe sperm pathology (OAT).
• Reduced antioxidase activity in spermatozoa may contribute to male infertility.
• A lack of sufficient antioxidant protection in severe sperm pathology might be associated with cervical dysplasia in partners.