Seminal Plasma Of Infertile Men Research Articles

Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the seminal plasma of infertile men suffering from varicocele.

Varicocele is one of causes of the declined sperm quality and low sperm production, which can lead to infertility in males. There are several experimental and epidemiological findings which support the idea that inflammatory mechanisms play an essential role in varicocele pathogenesis. Besides, in this pathological state, interleukin-37 (IL-37) as an anti-inflammatory cytokine is able to bind interleukin-18-binding protein (IL-18BP), and subsequently binds IL-18 receptor β, inhibiting the pro-inflammatory activity of IL-18. To explore the interaction between IL-37 and IL-18 in infertility, we measured the amount of these cytokines in the seminal fluid of infertile men affected by varicocele. Theseminal plasma levels of IL-37 and IL-18 were measured in 75 infertile men with varicocele and 75 healthy fertile controls (age range, 30-48years) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seminal levels of IL-37 and IL-18 were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele when compared to fertile controls (p<.0001). Because of the essential role(s) of cytokines in inflammatory response of cell systems, it could be possible that sperm motility is reduced following increased IL-18, activated neutrophils and reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients with varicocele. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that interaction between IL-37 and IL-18Rβ can lead to reduced inflammatory responses. It seems that IL-37 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for male infertility.

Evaluation the Effect of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor in Semen Quality of Infertile Men with Varicocele.

Objective: The study was designed to evaluation of effect Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor in seminal plasma to semen quality in infertile men with varicocele. Methods: A descriptive correlation study was conducted in specialized infertility center / teaching AL-Sadder medical city in Najaf city from first of April 2014 to the first of June 2014.Sample was selected that consisted of (75) infertile men with varicocele, and (25) healthy subject as control, their age between (20-40) years old. A questionnaire format and observational checklist were used which including marriage period, excluding from chronic disease like diabetic, cancer, sexual transmitted disease. The data were collected through the utilization of questionnaire and the structure interview technique with varicocele patients. Data was analyzed by using T-test and Z-test Results: The result of the study sample have revealed that 42% from all subjects has elevated Interleukin-6 concentration in seminal plasma ,and also the elevation Interleukin-6 level in seminal plasma has inversely correlation R = -0.58 with decreased in sperm motility ,also has inversely correlation R = -0.30 with low sperm count. From other hand 41% from all subjects has elevated Tumor necrosis factor levels in seminal plasma ,and also the elevation Tumor necrosis factor concentration in seminal plasma has inversely correlation R = -0.17 with decreased in sperm motility ,also has inversely correlation R = -0.25 with low sperm count. Conclusions: They study concluded there was a significant difference between elevation of Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor levels in seminal plasma in infertile men with varicocele, and they study concluded there was a significant correlation between increased levels of Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor in seminal plasma with reduce sperm count and motility . Recommendations: the study recommended that: Varicocele examination and diagnosis should be done to all infertile male. Varicocele patients with abnormal seminal fluid examination should be estimated concentration of Interluekin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor in seminal plasma

INFERTILE MEN

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the level of traceelements Zinc, Cadmium and lead in seminal plasma and serum of infertile men to the fertileones. Period: June 2014 to August 2015. Setting: Pathology Department of Continental MedicalLahore, attached with Ch. Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust teaching Hospital Methods: A total of 400samples of workers working in different factories for a period of 5 or more years were collected.Out of theses 80 were azoospermic. The relationship of trace elements in serum and seminalplasma of infertile men was compared with the normospermic individual controls. Results: Theconcentration of trace elements Pb and Cd was higher in seminal plasma and serum of infertileindividuals while Zn level was lower. So it is suggested that high levels of Pb and Cd may affectthe fertility and Zn is a crucial element for sperms and fertility in men.

Elevated levels of S100A12 in the seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele.

Varicocele is among the leading causes of male infertility. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis is still unclear. S100A12 is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins with principal extracellular activities. It is secreted by activated neutrophils and interacts with the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Many studies have delineated the patterns of S100A12 expression in a variety of pathologic conditions. These data show that S100A12 could be a potentially useful inflammatory marker. To explore the relationship between S100A12 and infertility, we examined the amount of S100A12 in semen of infertile men who suffered from varicocele. S100A12 levels in seminal plasma of 68 infertile men with varicocele (age range 30-45 years) and 68 healthy fertile controls were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using both parametric and nonparametric tests. Results of this study showed that the seminal levels of S100A12 were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele when compared to fertile controls (P < 0.001). Because of the important role(s) of these molecules in inflammatory response of cell systems, it could be possible that the spermatozoa motility is reduced following increasing neutrophils, S100A12, and reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients with varicocele. S100 proteins seem to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for male infertility.

Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma of infertile men with differing levels of reactive oxygen species reveals defective protein turnover

Seminal plasma is responsible for the nourishment, protection, capacitation, and regulation of sperm motility within the female reproductive tract. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in the pathology of male infertility by modulating sperm function. Seminal plasma is a natural reservoir of antioxidants and protects against ROS toxicity. The goal of this study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in the seminal plasma of infertile patients having different ROS levels.

Use of total antioxidant capacity as a diagnostic test in seminal plasma of infertile men

Antioxidants in seminal plasma protect spermatozoa from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress which results in sperm dysfunction. The aims of the present study were: 1) to measure the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in seminal plasma of a cohort of infertile men and controls with proven and unproven fertility; 2) establish a cut off value that can distinguish between infertile men and controls; and 3) validate the sensitivity and specificity of the calorimetric assay using the TAC test kit.This is important to differentiate infertile men who may benefit from antioxidants.

Comparative proteomic network signatures in seminal plasma of infertile men as a function of reactive oxygen species.

BackgroundReactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a major role in the pathology of male infertility. It is an independent biomarker of sperm function. Seminal plasma is a natural reservoir of antioxidants responsible for the nourishment, protection, capacitation, and motility of sperm within the female reproductive tract resulting in successful fertilization and implantation of the embryo. A comparative proteomic analysis of seminal plasma proteins from fertile men and infertile men with varying levels of ROS was carried out to identify signature proteins involved in ROS-mediated reproductive dysfunction.MethodsA total of 42 infertile men presenting with infertility and 17 proven fertile donors were enrolled in the study. ROS levels were measured in the seminal ejaculates by chemiluminescence assay. Infertile men were subdivided into Low ROS (0–<93 RLU/s/106 sperm; n = 11), Medium ROS (>93–500 RLU/s/106 sperm; n = 17) and High ROS (>500 RLU/s/106 sperm; n = 14) groups and compared with fertile men (4–50 RLU/s/106 sperm). 4 subjects from fertile group and 4 each from the Low, Medium and High ROS were pooled. 1D gel electrophoresis followed by in-gel digestion and LC/MS–MS in a LTQ-Orbitrap Elite hybrid mass spectrometer system was used for proteome analysis. Identification of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), their cellular localization and involvement in different pathways were examined utilizing bioinformatics tools.ResultsThe results indicate that proteins involved in biomolecule metabolism, protein folding and protein degradation are differentially modulated in all three infertile patient groups in comparison to fertile controls. Membrane metallo-endopeptidase (MME) was uniformly overexpressed (>2 fold) in all infertile groups. Pathway involving 35 focus proteins in post-translational modification of proteins, protein folding (heat shock proteins, molecular chaperones) and developmental disorder was overexpressed in the High ROS group compared with fertile control group. MME was one of the key proteins in the pathway. FAM3D was uniquely expressed in fertile group.ConclusionWe have for the first time demonstrated the presence of 35 DEPs of a single pathway that may lead to impairment of sperm function in men with Low, Medium or High ROS levels by altering protein turn over. MME and FAM3D along with ROS levels in the seminal plasma may serve as good markers for diagnosis of male infertility.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12014-015-9094-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Decreased activity of superoxide dismutase in the seminal plasma of infertile men correlates with increased sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation during the first hours after sperm donation.

Sperm DNA fragmentation varies between individuals and is more pronounced with increased patient age and time after sperm donation. The intensification of DNA fragmentation depends on the balance of the oxidoreductive system, which is regulated mainly by two enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics, fertility and seminal SOD and catalase activity. The study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 at the Non-Public Health Care Unit 'Ovum Reproduction and Andrology' in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, and covered 218 men aged 25-35 (85 fertile and 133 patients treated for infertility). Percentage of fragmented DNA was measured in a modified chromatin dispersion test at four time points after sperm donation (t=0, 3, 6, 12h). SOD and catalase activities were determined spectrophotometrically. We confirmed that the activity of SOD in the seminal plasma of men with reproductive disorders was lower compared with fertile men. Conversely, no significant correlations were found between fertility and catalase activity. Sperm DNA of infertile males was initially more fragmented than fertile male sperm DNA. SOD and catalase activity did not correlate with the degree of DNA fragmentation in fertile men. In men with reproductive disorders, the rate of DNA fragmentation was slow within first 3h after sperm donation and then increased between 6 and 12h. In this group of infertile men, those with higher SOD activity had a lower DNA fragmentation index (DFI) after 12h, and a reduced rate of intensity of fragmentation from 6 to 12h. Alternatively, higher catalase activity among men treated for infertility was accompanied by higher initial DFI and higher rate of DNA fragmentation from 6 to 12h. These results highlight the importance of determining a proper time window between sperm donation and procedures of assisted reproductive technology.

Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men

Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males. Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined. DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group (p< 0.001). We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.

Semen characteristics and malondialdehyde levels in men with different reproductive problems.

The aim of this study was to assess the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the seminal plasma of infertile men and to highlight a relationship between the level of MDA and semen parameters. Eighty-one infertile patients were divided into groups according to their clinical diagnosis: genitourinary infections, varicocele and idiopathic infertility. Semen quality was assessed by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM data were quantified with a mathematical formula able to obtain a fertility index and the percentage of sperm apoptosis, immaturity, and necrosis. Seminal MDA levels were determined by spectrofluorometry. Scrotal Eco-color Doppler was used to detect the varicocele. Infected patients had a positive bacteriological semen analysis. A control group consisted of 14 normospermic fertile men. Fertile group showed significantly increased values of sperm concentration, motility, and fertility index compared to infertile groups. In the infertile groups, sperm motility, concentration, apoptosis, and fertility index were not significantly different. In infection group, the percentage of necrosis was significantly higher than that observed in fertile men, varicocele, and idiopathic infertility groups (p < 0.001). MDA levels increased significantly in infection group in comparison with varicocele group (p < 0.01), idiopathic infertility group, and fertile men (p < 0.001) and in varicocele group compared to idiopathic infertility group (p < 0.001). In infection group, MDA levels positively correlated with sperm concentration (p < 0.01), fertility index (p < 0.05), and necrosis (p < 0.001), whereas a negative correlation was found with motility (p < 0.01). In varicocele group MDA levels correlated positively with necrosis and negatively with immaturity (p < 0.05). In fertile men and idiopathic infertility group, they did not show any correlation. In conclusion, we suggest that the evaluation of seminal MDA may be a good marker for understanding pathologies responsible of a sperm motility reduction such as urogenital infections or inflammatory status.

Significance of some trace elements in semen of infertile men

Objectives: The biological significance of trace elements in male infertility was studied. Levels of Zinc, Copper, Iron and Magnesium in the seminal plasma of infertile men and controls were measured. The relationships between these elements, seminal characteristics, and serum reproductive male hormones were explored. Patients and Methods: Seventy two infertile men on no treatment were selected from the central infertility center, Al Shifa hospital, Gaza, Palestine were studied and 72 known fertile males were used as controls. Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO criteria and seminal plasma trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum hormonal levels were measured by conventional methods. Results: The mean values of Zinc and Magnesium were significantly lower in infertile men than controls (69 vs. 122 mg/L and 67 vs 120 mg/L) respectively. All studied seminal parameters (sperm count, forward motility, weak motile and non-motile) were significantly lower in the infertile group than in controls. Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone were significantly lower in the infertile group than in controls (p&lt;0.05). No significant difference in serum follicle stimulating hormone levels was detected between groups. Within the infertile group, seminal plasma Zinc and Magnesium levels correlated directly to the sperm count (r=0.376, P=0.001 and r=0.293, P=0.013 respectively), and testosterone (r=0.293, P=0.012 and r=0.324, P=0.003 respectively). Zinc and Magnesium were inversely related to the seminal volume (r=-0.251, P=0.034 and r=-0.369 P=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings supports a possible role for Zinc and Magnesium in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Increased Oxidative DNA Damage in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Men with Varicocele

Objective: To investigate the oxidative DNA damage in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of infertile men with varicocele and to evaluate the potential relationship between oxidative DNA damage and varicocele. Methods: This case-control study recruited 180 infertile men with varicocele and 199 infertile men without varicocele and 168 fertile male control subjects. Semen parameters, seminal plasma 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) were assessed. Results: Compared to the infertile men without varicocele and control subjects, infertile men with varicocele exhibited lower sperm concentration, lower progressive motility, lower vitality and lower percentage of normal morphology (all P=0.0001). The seminal content of 8-OHdG and sperm DFI were higher in infertile men with varicocele than in infertile men without varicocele and in the control group (all P<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the 8-OHdG levels and DFI (P<0.001). However, There were negative correlations between seminal plasma 8-OHdG levels or sperm DFI with sperm concentration, progressive motility, vitality, and normal forms in the varicocele group (all P<0.001). Furthermore, the seminal plasma 8-OHdG content and sperm DFI was significantly higher in grades II and III than in grade I after controlling age, BMI, abstinence period and semen parameters. Conclusions: Infertile men with varicocele have greater oxidative DNA damage in seminal plasma and spermatozoa than the subjects without varicocele. The degrees of varicocele and DNA damage were associated with decreased semen quality in infertile men with varicocele.

Coenzyme Q10supplementation in infertile men with low-grade varicocele: an open, uncontrolled pilot study

Many conditions associated with male infertility are inducers of oxidative stress, including varicocele. Antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, may be useful in this case. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele before and after an oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 , 38 patients were recruited from a pilot clinical trial. A standard semen analysis was also performed at baseline and 3 months after an oral supplementation with exogenous coenzyme Q10 100 mg per die. Seminal plasma antioxidant capacity was measured using a spectroscopic method. Coenzyme Q10 therapy improved semen parameters and antioxidant status. This study highlights the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of male infertility, namely in varicocele, and strengthens the possibility of the usefulness of the antioxidant therapy.

Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: A proton NMR study at 800 MHz

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Indian systems of medicine use roots of Withania somnifera for impotence, infertility treatment, stress, and the aging process. Although Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress, the molecular mechanism is not clear. Aim of the studyOur study uses high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to explore the scientific basis to reveal the pre- and post-treatment efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma of infertile men—which remains unexplored to date. Materials and methodsA total of 180 infertile male patients were administered Withania somnifera root powder at the rate of 5g/d for a 3-month period. The study included age-matched, healthy men as a control (n=50) group. Proton NMR spectroscopy was used to measure lactate, alanine, glutamate, glutamine, citrate, lysine, choline, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), glycine, tyrosine, histidine, phenylalanine, and uridine in all seminal plasma samples. To appraise infertility levels, we also measured sperm concentration, motility, lipid peroxide, and hormonal perturbation. ResultsWithania somnifera therapy repairs the disturbed concentrations of lactate, alanine, citrate, GPC, histidine, and phenylalanine in seminal plasma and recovers the quality of semen of post-treated compared to pre-treated infertile men. Serum biochemistry was also improved over post-therapy in infertile men. Our findings reveal that Withania somnifera not only reboots enzymatic activity of metabolic pathways and energy metabolism but also invigorates the harmonic balance of seminal plasma metabolites and reproductive hormones in infertile men. ConclusionThe results suggest that Withania somnifera may be used as an empirical therapy for clinical management and treatment of infertility.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial

Low seminal plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been correlated with impaired sperm parameters, but the exact mechanism remains of dominating interest. This randomised, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of CoQ10 on catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and F2 -isoprostanes in seminal plasma in infertile men and their relation with CoQ10 concentration. Sixty infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) were randomised to receive 200 mg d(-1) of CoQ10 or placebo for 3 months. 47 persons of them completed the study. Semen analysis, anthropometric measurements, diet and physical activity assessment were performed for subjects before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-test, chi-square test and ancova were compared outcomes of supplementation between two groups. CoQ10 levels increased from 44.74 ± 36.47 to 68.17 ± 42.41 ng ml(-1) following supplementation in CoQ10 (P < 0.001). CoQ10 group had higher catalase and SOD activity than the placebo group. There was a significant positive correlation between CoQ10 concentration and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.037), catalase (P = 0.041) and SOD (P < 0.001). Significant difference was shown between the mean of changes in seminal plasma 8-isoprostane in two groups (P = 0.003) after supplementation. Three-month supplementation with CoQ10 in OAT infertile men can attenuate oxidative stress in seminal plasma and improve semen parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Differences in blood and semen oxidative status in fertile and infertile men, and their relationship with sperm quality

Oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the aetiology of male infertility by negatively affecting sperm quality and function. Assessment of blood and seminal plasma oxidative profiles might be a valuable tool to improve evaluation of sperm reproductive capacity and functional competence. This study examined the lipid-soluble antioxidant profile and levels of lipid peroxidation both in blood and seminal plasma samples of infertile and fertile males, in relation to semen parameters. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and vitamin E concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower in seminal plasma of infertile men compared with fertile subjects; concurrently, a significant accumulation of malondialdehyde was found in infertile patients (P=0.032 compared with controls), which was negatively correlated with sperm motility and morphology. In blood samples, infertile men presented lower concentrations of TAC, carotenoids and vitamin E than fertile subjects; TAC and carotenoids were positively correlated with sperm motility, morphology and concentration. Finally, blood TAC and vitamin E concentrations were positively correlated with the corresponding seminal values, confirming the close relationship between blood and semen antioxidants. All these results indicated the possibility of using not only seminal antioxidants but also blood antioxidants as biochemical markers to support sperm quality evaluation.Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been widely recognized as one of the major causes of male infertility; indeed, excessive ROS production can negatively impact sperm quality and function. The assessment of blood and seminal plasma oxidative profiles has been suggested as a valuable tool to improve the evaluation of sperm reproductive capacity and functional competence in infertile men. With this in mind, in the present study we examined the lipid soluble antioxidant profile (carotenoids and vitamins A and E) and the levels of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) both in blood and seminal plasma samples of infertile and fertile males, in correlation with semen parameters namely motility, morphology and concentration. As a result, we obtained evidence that the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the concentrations of vitamin E of seminal plasma samples were significantly lower in infertile men than in fertile subjects; at the same time, a significant accumulation of MDA was found in infertile patients. MDA, in turn, negatively correlated with sperm motility and morphology, thus confirming that oxidative damage to lipids impairs sperm quality. In blood samples, infertile men presented lower TAC and lower concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin E than fertile subjects; interestingly, TAC and carotenoid concentrations were positively correlated with sperm motility, morphology, and concentration, confirming the close relationship between blood antioxidants and sperm quality. In conclusion, all these results suggested that the examination of blood and semen oxidative profiles might furnish useful information on sperm quality and function in infertile men.

Seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and cigarette smoking in asthenoteratospermic men

Background Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the most important effects of ROS-induced cell damage that, along with the formation of reactive and mutagenic aldehyde products such as malondialdehyde (MDA), leads to defective functions in spermatozoa. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the seminal plasma neutralizes ROS so they could be a defense system against LPO. We evaluated the effect of seminal LPO and TAC on the motility and morphology of spermatozoa. We also determined the relationship between cigarette smoking as an exogenous source of ROS in increased levels of MDA and decreased TAC to estimate the intensity of oxidative stress. Methods MDA concentration and the TAC levels of seminal plasma were measured in asthenoteratospermic cigarette smokers ( n = 15), asthenoteratospermic non-smokers ( n = 17) and healthy non-smokers ( n = 13) using the TBARs and FRAP methods, respectively. Results The mean TAC in the seminal plasma of healthy men was significantly higher than that in asthenoteratospermic smokers ( P = 0.007) and non-smokers ( P = 0.012). In contrast, MDA levels in the control group were significantly lower than in smoking ( P = 0.005) and non-smoking ( P = 0.031) patients. Conclusions It is suggested that antioxidant deficiency and LPO may contribute to low motility and morphology in the spermatozoa of asthenoteratospermic patients, and that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for increased oxidative damage of seminal plasma in infertile men.

Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on semen profile and enzymatic anti-oxidant capacity of seminal plasma in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study

Effective medical treatments of infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) have yet to be determined. This study considered two major aims: (i) to measure the changes in semen parameters, omega-3 fatty acids (FA) compositions and anti-oxidant activity; (ii) to determine if the administration of omega-3 FA affect semen quality in infertile men with OAT. Two hundred thirty-eight infertile men with idiopathic OAT were randomised to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), 1.84 g per day (EPAX 5500TG; Lysaker, Norway), or placebo for 32 weeks. The semen parameters were assessed according to WHO criteria, and the EPA and DHA concentrations were determined in red blood cells (RBCs), seminal plasma and sperm cells at baseline and 32-week treatment period. Of randomised subjects, 211 (88.7%) completed the full 32-week randomisation period. The anti-oxidant status of seminal plasma was also evaluated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase-like activity. In the total group of participants, all EPA and DHA levels in RBC, and seminal plasma, were statistically significantly correlated with those in spermatozoa (both P = 0.001). A significant improvement of sperm cell total count (from 38.7 ± 8.7 ' 10⁶ to 61.7 ± 11.2 ' 10⁶, P = 0.001) and sperm cell concentration (from 15.6 ± 4.1 ' 10⁶ per ml to 28.7 ± 4.4 ' 10⁶ per ml, P = 0.001) was observed in the omega-3 group. A significant positive correlation was found between the EPA and DHA in seminal plasma and the semen parameters. Seminal plasma EPA and DHA concentrations were positively correlated with seminal plasma SOD-like and catalase-like activity (both P = 0.001). In seminal plasma, both SOD-like and catalase-like activity were positively correlated with sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Oligoasthenoteratospermic men with low levels of EPA and DHA may benefit from omega-3 FA supplementation. Further studies are warranted to shed more light on this important issue.

Relationship between seminal malondialdehyde levels and sperm quality in fertile and infertile men

The aim of this study was to determine the level of malondialdehyde in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men and investigate its relationship with sperm quality. Results showed that the mean of ± S.D. MDA concentration in seminal plasma of infertile men (0.94 ± 0.28 nmol/ml) was significantly higher than fertile men (0.65 ± 0.17 nmol/ml) (p value< 0.001), and had negative relationship with sperm count, motility and morphology. Therefore it could be concluded that increase in lipid peroxidation was associated with sperm membrane destructed and high level of MDA.

UP-2.047: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Level in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Men and Healthy Donors

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of free radicals that in excessive amounts showed to have negative influence on sperm quality and function. We compared ROS levels in seminal plasma of infertile men with its level in healthy donors. We also determined the ROS level in semen of infertile patients according to the etiology of infertility, and also the effect of smoking on its level.