Endocrine profile and semen characteristics in male smokers

Abstract

Research that involves study of both the endocrine profile and the sperm of groups of smokers and nonsmokers who are not selected for possible fertility problems is needed in order to determine more clearly whether smoking has an effect on them. This criterion was used in the choice of the clinical material in the present investigation. 2 groups of healthy volunteer men were selected. The 1st group consisted of 25 smokers who were smoking more than 20 cigarettes daily. The 2nd group consisted of 20 nonsmokers. The ages of both groups ranged from 25-35 years. In proof of their fertility, each man had fathered at least 2 children. 10 milliliters of blood was obtained from each subject. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the polyethylene glycol method for precipitating the bound fraction was used. Serum T was determined by double-antibody RIA and 125I-labeled T. Serum F was determined fluorometrically. 2 24 hour urine collections from each case were assayed in duplicate for urinary pregnanediol, pregnanitriol, 17-oxogenic steroids, and 17-oxosteroids. Full seminography was conducted for each man. The levels of serum FSH and F in male smokers were significantly higher than those of nonsmokers. Serum T was significantly lower in the former group. Serum LH did not vary significantly in either group. The levels of urinary 17-oxogenic steroids and pregnanetriol in male smokers were significantly elevated. Those of urinary 17-oxosteroids were significantly decreased when compared with the corresponding levels of nonsmokers. Urinary pregnandiol did not differ significantly in either group. Sperm initial motility was significantly decreased in smokers, and the percentage of abnormal forms of spermatozoa was significantly elevated. There was no significant difference in sperm count between smokers and nonsmokers.