The Key Role of Zinc in Enhancement of Total Antioxidant Levels in Spermatozoa of Patients with Asthenozoospermia

Abstract

Semen samples were obtained from 60 fertile (age 31.6 ± 3.3 years) and 60 subfertile (age 32.5 ± 3.23 years) men with asthenozoospermia between July 2011 to July 2012, from couples who had consulted the infertility clinic of Babil Hospital of Maternity (Hilla city/ IRAQ). The subfertile group was treated with zinc sulfate, with every participant taking two capsules of zinc sulfate per day for three months (each one 220mg). Semen samples were obtained (before and after zinc sulfate supplementation). After liquefaction, seminal fluid at room temperature, routine semen analyses were performed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and various sperm parameters were compared among fertile controls and infertile patients (before and after treatment with zinc sulfate). The mean antioxidant capacity of fertile controls (1.557 mmol/L in seminal plasma & 0.605 mmol/10 6 spermatozoa in spermatozoa) was significantly higher than that of the infertile patient group (1.157 mmol/L in seminal plasma & 0.528 mmol/106 spermatozoa in spermatozoa) (p<0.05). Furthermore, TAC levels were significantly higher in the infertile group which treated with zinc sulfate (1.585 mmol/L in seminal plasma & 0.573 mmol/10 6 spermatozoa in spermatozoa) (p<0.05). On the other hand, antioxidant capacity is positively correlated with sperm motility. Decreased antioxidant capacity was associated with impaired sperm function as a result of either increased ROS production or inadequate antioxidant capacity. Volume of semen, progressive sperm motility percentage, and total normal sperm count were increased after zinc sulfate supplementation.