不育男性患者和健康男性血液与精浆中微量元素含量的对比分析

目的:研究不育患者精浆和血液中微量元素的含量,为男性不育的诊断和治疗提供理论依据。方法:对73例正常生育组男性和265例男性不育患者的精浆和血液中的锌、铁、铜、钙、镁、镉进行检测分析,分析两组血液和精浆微量元素的差异。结果:不育组患者精浆和血液中锌的含量明显低于正常对照组,铜、镉离子含量明显高于正常对照组,与正常对照组比较均有显著性差异(P<0.01);而两组中的钙、铁、镁的含量接近,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不育组患者精浆中的锌元素水平明显高于血液锌含量,而血液中的镉含量明显高于精浆中的镉含量,差异有明显的统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:精浆和血液中锌、铜、镉的变化与男性不育密切相关。     

Chromosomal aberrations, Yq microdeletion, and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men opting for assisted reproduction

Male infertility is a multi‐factorial disorder, and identification of its etiology in an individual is critical for treatment. Systematically elucidating the underlying genetic causes (chromosomal and Yq microdeletion) and factors, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which contribute to sperm DNA damage, may help to reduce the number of men with idiopathic infertility and provide them with the most suitable therapeutics and counseling. This study was done to comprehensively investigate genetic and oxidative stress factors that might be the etiology of a large percentage of men with idiopathic infertility. One hundred twelve infertile men and 76 fertile controls were screened for chromosomal aberrations and Yq microdeletions. ROS, TAC, and sperm DNA damage were assessed in cytogenetically normal, non‐azoospermic men with intact Y chromosome (n = 93). ROS was assessed in neat and washed semen by chemiluminescence; seminal TAC with a commercially available kit; and sperm DNA damage by the comet assay. Two men had cytogenetic abnormalities and seven men harbored Yq microdeletions. ROS levels in neat and washed semen of infertile men were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than controls. Infertile men had significantly lower (P < 0.01) TAC levels (1.79 mM), whereas sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than controls. Genetic factors and oxidative stress cumulatively account for large number of idiopathic infertile cases. Unlike, genetic causes, which cannot be cured, timely identification and management of oxidative stress may help to reverse/reduce the effects on induced DNA damage, and improve the outcomes for infertile males. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 637–650, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Should Seminal Oxidative Stress Measurement be Offered Routinely to Men Presenting for Infertility Evaluation?

ObjectiveTo determine if seminal oxidative stress measurement should be offered routinely to men presenting for infertility evaluation.MethodsWe performed an extensive review of the English-language literature by searching MEDLINE for studies published between 1980 and 2007.ResultsResearch conducted during the last decade has provided growing support for the concept that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is related to abnormal semen parameters and sperm damage. Routine semen analysis remains the backbone of clinical evaluation in male infertility, but determining the levels and sources of excessive ROS generation in semen is currently not included in the routine evaluation of subfertile men. However, the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of seminal oxidative stress measurement exceed the capabilities of conventional sperm quality tests. An oxidative stress test may accurately discriminate between fertile and infertile men and identify those with a clinical diagnosis of male factor infertility who are likely to initiate a pregnancy if they are followed over a period of time. In addition, such a test can help select subgroups of patients with infertility in which oxidative stress is an important factor and those who may benefit from antioxidant supplementation. Although consensus is still required about the type and dosage of antioxidants to be used, rationale and evidence exist supporting their use in infertile men with elevated oxidative stress.ConclusionConsensus is growing about the clinical utility of seminal oxidative stress testing in infertility clinics, but standardization of protocols to measure ROS is crucial before introducing these tests into routine clinical practice. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:484-491)     

Blood Serum and Seminal Plasma Selenium,Total Antioxidant Capacity and Coenzyme Q10 Levels in Relation to Semen Parameters in Men with Idiopathic Infertility

In this case–control study, we aimed to evaluate the serum and seminal plasma levels of Selenium (Se), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) and determine their relationship with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men with idiopathic infertility. A total of 59 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty four patients were diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility and had abnormal sperm parameters, and 15 subjects had normal sperm parameters with proven fertility. Serum Se, semen Se, and semen TAC levels were significantly different in the fertile and infertile groups (p?<?0.01, p?<?0.001, and p?<?0.001, respectively). However, serum TAC, serum, and seminal plasma CoQ-10 levels did not differ between fertile and infertile groups. When the levels of the measured parameters were compared in serum and seminal plasma, serum levels of Se were found to be correlated positively with the semen levels in all subjects included into the study (N?=?59) (r?=?0.46, p?<?0.01). A relationship was found between neither serum and semen levels of TAC nor between serum and semen levels of CoQ-10. Correlations among measured serum and semen parameters with sperm parameters demonstrated that both the serum and semen levels of Se were correlated positively with spermatozoa concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, seminal plasma levels of TAC correlated positively with all these sperm parameters. On the other hand, seminal plasma levels of CoQ-10 correlated only with sperm morphology but not with concentration or motility. No relationship was observed between serum levels of TAC or serum levels of CoQ-10 and sperm parameters. In conclusion, serum and seminal plasma Se deficiency may be a prominent determinant of abnormal sperm parameters and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of serum Se levels may help determine nutritional status and antioxidant capacity in infertile patients, which may help distinguish those patients who will benefit from supplementation therapy.     

High Levels of Cadmium and Lead in Seminal Fluid and Blood of Smoking Men are Associated with High Oxidative Stress and Damage in Infertile Subjects

We measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and reducte glutathione (GSH) in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from 95 subjects including 50 infertile patients to evaluate the association between oxidative stress and damage and the components of the anti-oxidant defenses in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of infertile subjects and concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the blood and seminal plasma because of tobacco smoke exposure. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spermatozoa were also evaluated by luminol (5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione)-enhanced chemiluminescence assay. The sperm count, motility, and morphology in the smokers infertile group were found to be lower than those in the fertile male group and nonsmokers infertile group (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cd, Pb, MDA, protein carbonyls, and ROS levels in the smokers infertile group were significantly higher than those in the fertile male and nonsmokers infertile male groups (p < 0.001). However, GSH levels and GST activities were decreased in the smokers infertile male group than those in the fertile male and nonsmokers infertile male groups (p < 0.001). The results indicate that smoking could affect semen quality and oxidative lipid and protein damage in human spermatozoa. From Pearson correlation analysis, positive correlations were demonstrated between the seminal plasma Cd and seminal plasma protein carbonyls and between seminal plasma Pb and spermatozoa ROS levels in smokers of the subfertile group, while there was a significant positive correlation between blood Cd and ROS levels in smokers of the fertile group. There was also a significant negative correlation of the Cd level of the blood and GSH levels of the sperm and seminal plasma. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking enhances the levels of Cd and Pb in seminal plasma and blood and the extent of oxidative damage associated with a decrease in components of the anti-oxidant defenses in the sperm of infertile males.     

Peroxiredoxins: hidden players in the antioxidant defence of human spermatozoa

Spermatozoon is a cell with a precious message to deliver: the paternal DNA. Its motility machinery must be working perfectly and it should be able to acquire fertilizing ability in order to accomplish this mission. Infertility touches 1 in 6 couples worldwide and in half of the cases the causes can be traced to men. A variety of conditions such as infections of the male genital tract, varicocele, drugs, environmental factors, diseases, smoking, etc., are associated with male infertility and a common feature among them is the oxidative stress in semen that occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at high levels and/or when the antioxidant systems are decreased in the seminal plasma and/or spermatozoa. ROS-dependent damage targets proteins, lipids, and DNA, thus compromising sperm function and survival. Elevated ROS in spermatozoa are associated with DNA damage and decreased motility. Paradoxically, ROS, at very low levels, regulate sperm activation for fertilization. Therefore, the regulation of redox signaling in the male reproductive tract is essential for fertility. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) play a central role in redox signaling being both antioxidant enzymes and modulators of ROS action and are essential for pathological and physiological events. Recent studies from our lab emphasize the importance of PRDXs in the protection of spermatozoa as infertile men have significant low levels of PRDXs in semen and with little enzymatic activity available for ROS scavenging. The relationships between sperm DNA damage, motility and lipid peroxidation and high levels of thiol-oxidized PRDXs suggest the enhanced susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative stress and further support the importance of PRDXs in human sperm physiology. This review aims to characterize PRDXs, hidden players of the sperm antioxidant system and highlight the central role of PRDXs isoforms in the protection against oxidative stress to assure a proper function and DNA integrity of human spermatozoa.     

Altered antioxidant status and increased lipid per-oxidation in seminal plasma of tunisian infertile men

Human seminal plasma is a natural reservoir of antioxidants that protect spermatozoa from oxidative damages. There is evidence in literature supports the fact that impairments in seminal antioxidant and lipid per-oxidation status play important roles in the physiopathology of male infertility. Our present study forms the first one which was carried out in Tunisia. We evaluated the antioxidant status in the seminal plasma of 120 infertile men programmed to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for the first tentative. Patients were characterized by an idiopathic infertility. They were divided into three groups: normozoospermics who were considered as controls (n=40), asthenozoospermics (Astheno; n=45) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermics (OAT; n=35). Seminal activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and the levels of glutathione (GSH), zinc (Zn) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. With the significant increase of the seminal activities of SOD and GPX in normozoospermics group, there were positive correlations observed between this enzymes and sperm quality. Also, significant elevated rates of seminal zinc and GSH were observed in control group, but there was contradictory associations reflecting the effects of these antioxidants on semen parameters. However, we noted significant increase of MDA levels in groups with abnormal seminogram. We showed negative associations between this per-oxidative marker and sperm parameters. These results obviously suggested that impairment on seminal antioxidants is an important risk factor for low sperm quality associated to idiopathic infertility and as a result can lead to poor IVF outcome.     

Impact of seminal and serum zinc on semen quality and hormonal status: A population-based cohort study of Russian young men

BackgroundTrace elements are important factors in human reproductive health. Among them, special attention is paid to zinc, which is an essential trace element and is necessary for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system and the process of spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between seminal and serum zinc concentrations and semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in population of Russian young men.MethodsThe study population consisted of 626 young Russian men (median age 22.5 years), recruited from the general population, regardless of their fertility status. Each participant provided semen and blood sample, information about his lifestyle and ethnicity. Semen quality (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and inhibin B), and serum and seminal zinc concentrations were evaluated. The semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual (WHO, 2010). Serum hormones were measured by enzyme immunoassay, zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization.ResultsZinc was present in the seminal plasma in a significantly higher concentration than in the blood serum (median serum Zn concentration was 23.6 μmol/L vs seminal Zn concentration 1571.8 μmol/L). The seminal zinc concentration was positively related to the total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology (Spearman’s test: 0.221; 0.286; 0.269; 0.183, respectively, p < 0.001), while the serum Zn concentration was negatively related to serum testosterone and estradiol levels (r = −0.249 and r = −0.096, respectively, p < 0.001−0.05). It was found that the seminal Zn content in men with normal semen quality was higher compared to men with lowered semen quality (means: 6.37 and 5.03 μmol/ejaculate, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, the semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology and the serum testosterone level in men with the seminal Zn deficiency were lower than in men with the normal seminal Zn content.ConclusionBased on the results of our population-based study, seminal Zn levels were closely associated with semen parameters in young men, so Zn deficiency may be an important risk factor for lowered semen quality. Seminal Zn determinations should be considered as a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male fertility.     

Analyse du statut oxydatif spermatique chez des patients infertiles

Introduction

Male infertility constitutes public health problems. Several factors are at the origin of this phenomenon. Currently, the oxidative stress is accused to be one of the leading causes. In our study, we sought a correlation between the markers of the oxidative stress and the sperm characteristics (morphology).

Material and methods

We evaluated the antioxidant status in the seminal plasma of 129 infertile men. Patients were characterized by infertility of variable duration. They were divided into four groups: normozoospermics who were considered as controls (n=34), asthenozoospermics (Astheno; n=43), oligozoospermics (Oligo; n=22) and teratozoospermics (Terato; n=30). Among the oxidative stress markers, we evaluated, in seminal plasma, zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium by spectrophotometry of atomic absorption to flame and furnace. The malondialdehyde (MDA) is proportioned by spectrofluorometry.

Results

Our results show that the seminal concentrations of zinc and selenium are higher in the control group than the concentrations of these same elements in the three other groups. The seminal zinc concentration was significantly correlated with the sperm count (r=0.49; p < 0.001) and MDA (r=- 0.35; p<0.05). Sperm motility was correlated with calcium (r=0.41; p<0.001) and magnesium (r=0.31; p<0.05). The MDA concentration is higher in the three groups of patients: oligozoospermics (3.22±1.37 ??g/ml), asthenozoospermics (3.52±1.93 ??g/ml) and teratozoospermics (3.64±1.73 ??g/ml) compared with controls (2.32±0.94 ??g/ml). A single positive correlation was observed between the MDA and morphology (r=0.19; p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our study confirms that the oxidative stress plays an important role in the process of deteriorations of the spermatozoa. The free radicals can, indeed, modify the membrane structure as well as the membrane structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid. These deteriorations also lead to an increase in the percentage of sperm of abnormal forms.     

Lycopene is superior to moringa in improving fertility markers in diet-induced obesity male rats

Obesity is a condition of chronic tissue inflammation and oxidative stress that poses as a risk factor for male infertility. Moringa oleifera oil extract is known to have cholesterol-lowering properties and a potential to treat obesity, while lycopene is a potent antioxidant. We hypothesize that Moringa or lycopene may improve male fertility markers in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. Male Albino rats (n = 60) were randomized to receive regular chow (RC) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks (n = 30 each). Animals in each arm were further randomized to receive gavage treatment with corn oil (vehicle), lycopene (10 mg/kg), or Moringa (400 mg/kg) for four weeks starting on week 9 (n = 10 each). Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks, and blood was collected to assess lipid profile, serum testosterone, and gonadotropin levels. The testes and epididymides were removed for sperm analysis, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and histopathological assessment. In comparison to their RC littermates, animals on HFD showed an increase in body weights, serum lipids, testosterone and gonadotrophin levels, testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as sperm abnormalities and disrupted testicular histology. Moringa or lycopene reduced body weight, improved oxidative stress, and male fertility markers in HFD-fed animals with lycopene exhibiting better anti-antioxidant and anti-lipidemic effects. Lycopene is superior to Moringa in improving male fertility parameters, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress.     

Male Infertility Workup Needs Additional Testing of Expressed Prostatic Secretion and/or Post-Massage Urine

The male factor accounts for almost 50% of infertility cases. Inflammation may reduce semen quality via several pathways, including oxidative stress (OxS). As male infertility routinely is assessed using semen analysis only, the possible presence of non-leukocytospermic asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis may be overlooked. We compared local and systemic OxS levels in male partners of infertile couples with different inflammation patterns in their genital tract and/or oligospermia.Subjects (n=143) were grouped according to inflammation in their semen, expressed prostatic secretion (EPS), and/or post-massage urine (post-M). Systemic (8-isoprostanes in urine) and local (diene conjugates and total antioxidant capacity in seminal plasma) OxS was measuredThe levels of OxS markers were significantly elevated in both severe inflammation groups – leukocytospermic men and subjects whose inflammation was limited only to EPS and/or post-M. Comparison between oligospermic and non-oligospermic men with genital tract inflammation, and oligozoospermic men with or without inflammation in the genital tract indicated that inflammation but not oligospermia status had significant impact on the measured OxS markers.Hence, a high leukocyte count in prostate-specific materials (EPS, post-M), even in absence of clear leukocytopsermia, is an important source of local and systemic OxS that may be associated with male infertility and affect general health. We suggest including the tests for detection of inflammation of the prostate into the workup of infertile men as was suggested in the WHO 1993 recommendation.     

Cadmium toxicity: a possible cause of male infertility in Nigeria

Serum and seminal plasma cadmium (Cd) concentrations were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 60 infertile adult male Nigerians (40 oligozoospermics and 20 azoospermics). The results were compared with Cd level in 40 normozoospermic subjects (matched age, with proven evidence of fertility). The relationship between Cd levels and spermatograms or the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) -axis was investigated by correlating serum and seminal plasma Cd levels with semen characteristics and hormone levels. The seminal plasma Cd level was significantly higher than those of serum in all studied groups (p<0.001). The serum and seminal plasma Cd levels were increased (p<0.001) in azoospermics in comparison to oligozoospermic and control subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum Cd level and all examined biophysical semen characteristics except sperm volume. A positive correlation was also observed between seminal plasma Cd and FSH. Results of the study for the first time implicate cadmium as a cause of infertility in male Nigerians as well as extend and support previous findings concerning cadmium toxicity and male infertility. The strong deleterious effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis may be due to the systemic and cellular toxicity. A possible relationship between this element and the HPG axis is also suggested.     

Study of the effects of oral zinc supplementation on peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity in seminal plasma of Iraqi asthenospermic patients

Background

Low concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) are necessary for the biology and physiology of spermatozoa, but high levels of NO are toxic and have negative effects on sperm functions. Although several studies have considered the relationship between infertility and semen NO concentrations, no study on the effects of asthenospermia treatments such as oral zinc supplementation on concentrations of NO, which are important in fertility, has been reported. Studies have shown that oral zinc supplementation develops sperm count, motility and the physical characteristics of sperm in animals and in some groups of infertile men. The present study was conducted to study the effect of zinc supplementation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen, along with enzymes of the NO pathway in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic patients.

Methods

Semen samples were obtained from 60 fertile and 60 asthenozoospermic infertile men of matched age. The subfertile group was treated with zinc sulfate; each participant took two capsules (220 mg per capsule) per day for 3 months. Semen samples were obtained (before and after zinc sulfate supplementation). After liquefaction of the seminal fluid at room temperature, routine semen analyses were performed. The stable metabolites of NO (nitrite) in seminal plasma were measured by nitrophenol assay. Arginase activity and NO synthase activity were measured spectrophotometrically.

Results

Peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity, NO synthase activity and various sperm parameters were compared among fertile controls and infertile patients (before and after treatment with zinc sulfate). Peroxynitrite levels and NO synthase activity were significantly higher in the infertile patients compared to the fertile group. Conversely, arginase activity was significantly higher in the fertile group than the infertile patients. Peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity of the infertile patient were restored to normal values after treatment with zinc sulfate. Volume of semen, progressive sperm motility percentage and total normal sperm count were increased after zinc supplementation.

Conclusions

Treatment of asthenospermic patients with zinc supplementation leads to restored peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity to normal values and gives a statistically significant improvement of semen parameters compared with controls.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01684059     

Antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma measured by TAS Randox

BACKGROUND: An imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in sperm and antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma has been linked to male infertility. The antioxidant power of biological fluids can be evaluated either by measurement of individual antioxidants or total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The aim of this study was to assess whether TAS Randox can also be used for seminal plasma antioxidant capacity estimation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Freshly thawed aliquots of seminal plasma and blood serum of 38 males from infertile couples and 24 healthy normospermic controls were simultaneously assayed using TAS Randox reagents on the Hitachi Modular P800 Analyzer. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. ROS in fresh sperm suspension in phosphate buffered saline was measured by chemiluminescence immediately after separation of seminal plasma. RESULTS: Semen analysis showed that in our study group only 14 males were normospermic and 24 males had mostly combined pathologies. The medians for ROS production were similar in both the study and the control groups (4850 and 5450 RLU/min, resp). Seminal plasma TAS levels were significantly lower (p<0.02) in the study group while blood serum TAS levels were similar in both groups. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between TAS in seminal plasma and serum was found, seminal plasma levels being on average 1.4 times higher. CONCLUSIONS: The TAS Randox kit may be used for clinical studies intended to identify decreased antioxidant power in the seminal fluid of infertile men.     

Comparison of Oxidative Stress/DNA Damage in Semen and Blood of Fertile and Infertile Men

Abnormal spermatozoa frequently display typical features of oxidative stress, i.e. excessive level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depleted antioxidant capacity. Moreover, it has been found that a high level of oxidatively damaged DNA is associated with abnormal spermatozoa and male infertility. Therefore, the aim of our study was the comparison of oxidative stress/DNA damage in semen and blood of fertile and infertile men. The broad range of parameters which describe oxidative stress and oxidatively damaged DNA and repair were analyzed in the blood plasma and seminal plasma of groups of fertile and infertile subjects. These parameters include: (i) 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) levels in urine; (ii) 8-oxodG level in DNA isolated from leukocytes and spermatozoa; (iii) antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) and uric acid. Urinary excretion of 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGua and the level of oxidatively damaged DNA in leukocytes as well as the level of antioxidant vitamins were analyzed using HPLC and HPLC/GC/MS methods.The results of our study demonstrate that 8-oxodG level significantly correlated with every parameter which describe sperm quality: sperm count, motility and morphology. Moreover, the data indicate a higher level of 8-oxodG in sperm DNA compared with DNA of surrogate tissue (leukocytes) in infertile men as well as in healthy control group. For the whole study population the median values of 8-oxodG/10⁶ dG were respectively 7.85 and 5.87 (p = 0.000000002). Since 8-oxodG level in sperm DNA is inversely correlated with urinary excretion rate of 8-oxoGua, which is the product of OGG1 activity, we hypothesize that integrity of spermatozoa DNA may be highly dependent on OGG1 activity. No relationship between the whole body oxidative stress and that of sperm plasma was found, which suggests that the redox status of semen may be rather independent on this characteristic for other tissues.     

Correlation of trace mineral concentrations with fructose,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,and acid phosphatase in seminal plasma of different categories of infertile men

The study describes the concentrations of zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and biochemical markers of seminal vesicle and prostate in seminal plasma of different categories of infertile men. The zinc level in oligasthenospermic subjects was significantly higher than in azoospermic, asthenospermic, and oligospermic subjects. The γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in both oligoasthenospermic and azoospermic subjects were significantly lower than in asthenospermic and oligospermic individuals. There was no significant difference in iron, copper, and magnesium levels and acid phosphatase activity among the different infertile categories. A positive correlation between zinc and acid phosphatase (r=0.84, r=0.73; p<0.05), and between copper and fructose (r=0.81, r=0.72; p<0.05) was observed in oligoasthenospermic and azoospermic men, respectively. On the basis of our results, it may be postulated that there is a direct effect of the trace elements zinc and copper on acid phosphatase and fructose, respectively, in oligoasthenospermic and azoospermic subjects.     

Mechanisms of Sperm Oxidation: Breaking Down the Origins of Oxidative Activity

Oxidative stress has been long considered an important cause of male infertility, and sperm‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been considered one of the major sources. In article number 1900205, Issue 2, Netherton et al. have improved upon current technologies for detection of true ROS‐derived oxidative events from those originated by mitochondrial compounds. Moreover, the authors have isolated proteins that bear lipid aldehyde adducts, in order to verify their origin. In their paper, Netherton et al. demonstrate that sperm‐derived ROS do not contribute to sperm oxidative stress, which is an important finding, given that most studies consider altered sperm a major source of seminal ROS. Moreover, adducted proteins are mostly of prostatic origin, which leads to questions regarding how and where the oxidative events occur. Under the light of this study and the methodological improvements it has brought, it may be important to revisit some foundation studies in semen and sperm oxidative stress.     

Alterations in Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress in Uremic Patients with Dementia

The present study was conducted to compare the trace elements and oxidative status between uremic patients with and without dementia. Chronic hemodialysis patients with dementia (n = 20) and without dementia (n = 25), and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 20) were enrolled. The nutritional status, blood levels of trace elements aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl production, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured. No significant difference in nutritional status or clinical characteristics was observed between nondementia and dementia patients. However, uremic patients with dementia have significantly higher Al, Cu, and Mg and lower Zn concentrations, as well as increased Cu/Zn ratio in comparison to nondementia patients. There were statistically significant increased MDA and carbonyl production and decreased GPx and GR activities in dementia patients. Furthermore, the significant associations of Al, Mg, and Cu/Zn ratio with oxidative status in patients with dementia were noted. The dementia may initially worsen with abnormal metabolism of trace elements and oxidative stress occurrence. Our results suggest that abnormalities in trace element levels are associated with oxidative stress and may be a major risk factor in the dementia development of uremic patients.     

Sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation are independent of malondialdheyde

Background  

There is clinical evidence to show that sperm DNA damage could be a marker of sperm quality and extensive data exist on the relationship between DNA damage and male fertility status. Detecting such damage in sperm could provide new elements besides semen parameters in diagnosing male infertility. We aimed to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation and to study the association between these two markers, routine semen parameters and malondialdehyde formation.     

Evaluation of superoxide dismutase activity and its impact on semen quality parameters of infertile men

The evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as one of the most important antioxidative defence enzymes, in seminal plasma of patients consulting for male infertility was presented in the article. The study included also the determination of its influence on selected human semen quality parameters. The material represents semen samples obtained from 15 men, which were divided into two groups: Group I (n=10) including patients consulting for infertility and Group II (n=5) containing healthy sperm donors as a control. All of the semen samples were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The frozen samples were thawed at the same time and then SOD activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The analysis of the investigations results indicates a significantly lower semen SOD activity detected in oligoasthenozoospermic patients, comparing to the activity found in normospermic men. The study showed a positive correlation between SOD activity in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters--sperm concentration and overall motility, which are regarded as the most important for normal fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa. Significantly lower SOD activity in seminal plasma of infertile patients, comparing to healthy sperm donors, as well as positive correlation and beneficial impact of SOD activity on human semen quality parameters seem to confirm the observations, that decreased seminal plasma scavenger antioxidant capacity, particularly in form of low SOD activity, can be responsible for male infertility. This trial shows that SOD activity survey in seminal plasma could be a useful tool for determining sperm fertilization potential and could improve the diagnosis of male infertility.