Investigation of Antioxidant-Oxidant Levels in Infertile Men: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The escalating rate of infertility, especially with many of its causes remaining enigmatic, necessitates advanced investigative measures. This study explores the correlation between various biochemical, hormonal, hematological, and oxidative stress parameters in infertile male patients and their sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: From January to July 2023, blood samples of infertile male patients from our outpatient clinic were examined for aforementioned parameters. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their sperm parameters: Group 1 (Normal), Group 2 (Asthenospermia), Group 3 (Oligospermia), and Group 4 (Azoospermia). Results: Infertility duration, FSH, LH, prolactin, and testicular volume (both left and right) varied significantly among the groups (p<0.01). Significant differences were also noted in monocyte, eosinophil, TAS, TOS, OSI, CRP, and ESR levels (p<0.01). Specifically, azoospermia positively correlated with increased Monocyte, TOS, OSI, CRP, and ESR levels (p-values and correlation coefficients ranging from p=0.012, r: 0.141 to p<0.001, r: 0.551). Logistic regression pinpointed TAS, TOS, OSI, and ESR as significant differentiation risk factors. According to ROC analysis, these factors were critical prognosticators for azoospermia. Conclusion: Elevated TOS and OSI, coupled with decreased TAS levels, were linked to monocytes, CRP, and ESR in azoospermia. Thus, TAS, TOS, OSI, and ESR can be pivotal diagnostic tools for infertility, and their evaluation from routine blood samples could streamline the diagnosis and treatment response assessment of infertility.