Assessment of accessory reproductive gland and oxidative stress in male partners of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss couples

Abstract

Background: Etiologies behind recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in half of the cases remains idiopathic even after an extensive investigation. The role of oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases including male fertility, but its role on male partner of RPL couple is limited. Materials and Methods: Semen samples from fifty male partners of the female with the history of three or more idiopathic primary RPL and fifty controls were obtained and analyzed according to the WHO guidelines along with sperm function tests. Functioning of the accessory gland was evaluated selecting one marker for each gland such as citric acid and fructose. OS markers such as reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase levels were estimated. Statistical analysis was done using independent samples t -test using statistical software SPSS version 14. Results: In RPL group, significantly lower scores were observed for sperm function test than the control group. Fructose and citric acid levels did not show any significant difference between the groups. Among RPL group, 2% and 4.5% of individual have a lower value for fructose and citric acid, respectively. The malondialdehyde concentration and ROS levels were significantly higher in RPL group. While the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant level was significantly lower in RPL males than in the control group. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of evaluation of male factors for sperm function tests, OS markers, and accessory gland assessment along with the conventional parameters. This may help for better pregnancy outcome through proper evaluations and management.