Anandamide Level in Men with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Abstract

Background: Male infertility is a relatively common medical condition. Male partners are found to be solely responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is the most common laboratory finding in infertile men. Endocannabinoids are endogenously produced substances, that primarily act at cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), thus reproducing some of the biological actions of the natural cannabis sativa components (the “cannabinoids”). The endocannabinoid system is involved in several physiological processes, including fertility and body weight control. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the level of anandamide (AEA) in patients with OAT and its relation to BMI. Patients and methods: This study was a case control study. It was hold between June 2018 to April 2019 in the Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department at Aswan University Hospital. The study included 20 patients with OAT and 9 as controls. Semen analysis using CASA was done. AEA level in seminal plasma was measured using ELISA kits. BMI was calculated. Results: AEA level in seminal plasma significantly decreased in men with ligoasthenoterat- ozoospermia than control (P < 0.009). AEA concentration on seminal fluid was significantly increased with an increase in BMI (P= 0.023). On the other hand, a significant negative relationship was present between BMI and semen volume (P= 0.03). Conclusion: AEA concentration in seminal plasma was significantly decreased in patients with OAT. AEA concentration in seminal fluid was significantly increased with an increase in BMI. On the other hand, a significant negative relationship was present between BMI and semen volume.