The role of serum total antioxidant capacity as a diagnostic tool of male infertility and its correlation to semen parameters

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Male infertility has been linked to the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS are harmful molecules that can cause damage to cells, while antioxidants are substances that can prevent or counteract the formation and actions of ROS. Sperm cells are especially susceptible to damage from ROS because they lack adequate protection from intracellular antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, maintaining a robust total body antioxidant capacity is crucial to safeguarding sperm health.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the impact of T-AOC on male infertility. Materials and methods: Serum T-AOC was measured by using Elabscience ELISA kit. A case-control study included fertile group as control(n= 40) and infertile group (n=50). All subjects were included in this study between October 2022 to June 2023. Diagnosis of participants were executed by medical senior on the basis of clinical characteristics, history of patients, and biochemical tests. Age, family history, and BMI were measured. Blood samples were provided by each participant for the biochemical estimation of serum T-AOC, while semen samples were collected from each participant for the seminal fluid analysis.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed a decreased in the level of T-AOC in infertile men as compared with fertile men. Moreover, there was a significant difference and correlation between T-AOC and some semen parameters. There was a significant difference in BMI (p-value =0.0087) between fertile and infertile groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum T-AOC could be used as a diagnostic tool for male infertility.