Evaluation of oxidative stress in idiopathic male infertility in the Iraqi population

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Idiopathic infertility accounts for at least 30% of all cases of infertility, and oxidative stress has been identified as a novel developing factor in idiopathic male infertility. Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidant defense mechanisms are outmatched by the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase; CAT and SOD) on sperm DNA fragmentation and associated sperm alteration in Iraqi males with idiopathic infertility. Materials and Methods: One hundred infertile guys (50 oligozoospermia and 50 asthenozoospermia) and 50 normospermia) had their superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels tested. Results: Our study showed that the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of patients who suffered from oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia was higher than that of individuals who suffered from normozoospermia. Seminal plasma SOD and MDA levels were higher in infertile participants compared to controls (P < 0.001) .The concentration of CAT in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men was not significantly different from that of normospermic men. DFI correlated negatively with seminal antioxidant status (SOD, CAT) and MDA, while CAT correlated positively with SOD and MDA. Conclusion: The impacts of oxidative stress include the breakage of DNA in sperm, with lipid peroxidation being the primary cause of idiopathic male infertility. This is associated with less successful fertility outcomes in couples. According to the findings that we obtained, the sperm DNA fragmentation index as well as malondialdehyde are substantially associated with the quality of the sperm.