Selenium status of idiopathic infertile Nigerian males

Selenium concentration in the sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligospermia and 20 azoospermia) and 40 males with proven evidence of fertility (normospermia; control group) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were correlated with spermatogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentrations of selenium was found to be significantly increased in oligospermic compared to azoospermic subjects and controls (p<0.01), whereas the seminal plasma level was significantly higher in azoospermic compared to oligospermic subjects and controls (p<0.001). Thus, the ratio of serum selenium to seminal plasma selenium was 1∶1 in controls, 4∶1 in oligospermia, and 1∶2 in azoospermic subject. A significant inverse correlation was observed between serum selenium level and sperm count (p<0.01). Similarly, seminal plasma selenium correlated with spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology. Serum selenium level shows positive correlation with the serum testosterone level (p<0.01). In conclusion, there appears to be a physiological balance in the distribution of selenium in serum and seminal plasma compartment of control males. A disturbance in this balance has a significant influence on spermatogenesis. Selenium appears to have a positive influence on Leydig cells, thus influencing the secretion of testosterone.