Investigation of oxidative stress parameters and hormone levels in men with suspected infertility

Abstract

Aim: It was suggested that oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major causes for male infertility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the OS parameters and some hormone levels in men with suspected infertility.

Methods: A total of 100 males was included in the study. Study groups were designed as 5 groups of normozoospermia (n=20), azoospermia (n: 20), oligozoospermia (n=20), oligo-asthenozoospermia (n=20), idiopatic infertility (n:20) according to sperm parameters and etiology. Sperm parameters and OS markers including plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), 8 Hydroxy 2 deoxy Guanosine (8-OHdG)  were evaluated in all groups. In addition, FSH, LH, total testosterone, TSH, prolactin, estradiol, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D were analyzed.

Results: TAC was the lowest in azoospermia group compared to other groups while the highest TAC was in normozoospermia group (p=0.002). Total FSH and LH levels were higher in azoospermia group compared to other groups.

Conclusions:  As far as we know, this is the first study evaluating OS markers and hormones in men with suspected infertility. Our results show that the OS is increased in men with azoospermia compared to other groups.