Correlation of oxidative stress markers and semen parameters with the outcome of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. The aim was to assess the effect of oxidative stress parameters on sperm count, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa, and the influence of different semen parameters on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure – the number of fertilized oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy rate of female partners. Method. In 52 male patients superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were determined in serum, before beginning the IVF cycle. Semen samples were collected after 2–3 days of sexual abstinence. Results. Patients were divided into two groups, the normozoospermic, and those with pathological sperm findings. The second group was divided into oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and teratozoospermic groups. SOD activity was lower, while MDA and -SH groups, while not significantly, was higher in groups with sperm parameter disorders. Fertilization rate was significantly lower in the group of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia (p = 0.034), as well as delivery rate (p = 0.020). The group with oligozoospermia had significantly lower delivery rate (p = 0.013). Conclusion. Our study found higher fertilization and delivery rate in men with normozoospermia. However, no significant correlation between OS markers and semen parameters was found. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III46009]

Keywords

• in vitro fertilization
• oxidative stress
• sperm parameters