Are There Associations between Seminal Plasma Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Selected Redox-Associated Biochemical Parameters in Infertile Male Patients? A Preliminary Report

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the reasons for male infertility. Seminal plasma contains a multitude of enzymes and ions which influence OS and thus may affect male fertility. The aim of the study was to check for associations between seminal plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) concentrations and levels of selected biochemical parameters (total protein, iron, uric acid, magnesium, calcium) in infertile men, and establish whether they are associated with sperm disorders. Seminal plasma AOPP, as well as total protein, iron, uric acid, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, were determined for the following patient groups: normozoospermic (N; n = 33), teratozoospermic (T; n = 30), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT; n = 18), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT; n = 28). AOPP concentrations were significantly higher in N and T groups in comparison to AT and OAT groups. Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in the T group in comparison to the AT and OAT groups, whereas iron concentrations significantly decreased in the OAT group in comparison to the T and N patients. AOPP differentiates AT patients from men with other sperm disorders. Our results suggest that asthenozoospermia may be connected with total protein levels. Insufficient iron levels may reflect a decrease in sperm count.

Automated summary

Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to male infertility. This study found that seminal plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) concentrations were associated with selected biochemical parameters and may affect sperm disorders. Total protein levels may be related to asthenozoospermia, and insufficient iron levels may reflect a decrease in sperm count.