INFLUENCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE PARAMETERS OF SPERMOGRAM IN INFERTILE MEN

Abstract

Background. The development of methods for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility is a topical issue nowadays. The aim of the study was to determine the spermogram index, the antioxidant capacity of spermoplasm and the concentration of zinc in the sperm of healthy fertile and infertile males as well as to evaluate the effects of drugs with antioxidant activity on the parameters of the spermogram in infertile men. Material and methods. A total of 144 males of reproductive age participated in the study: 45 fertile and 99 infertile ones. Collection and analysis of the ejaculate was carried out in accordance with WHO criteria (2010). Results. There were statistically significant differences in the parameters of the spermogram between fertile and infertile men (p˂0.05). In 48.5% of infertile patients the antioxidant activity of the spermoplasm was normal, and in 51.5% of males it was below 1.6 mmol/L. The concentration of zinc in men with infertility averaged 1.62 [1.07, 2.0] mmol/L. The use of the complex of antioxidants composed of L-carnitine, pentoxifylline, zinc sulfate, vitamin E, folic acid for a period of 3 months improved the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the ejaculate in infertile men (p˂0.05), as well as the overall antioxidant activity of the spermoplasm (1.88 [1.69, 2.03] mmol/L) and the concentration of zinc in the sperm (2.08 [1.51, 2.58] mmol/L). Conclusions. Reduction of the total antioxidant activity is a factor in the development of male infertility. Prescription of the complex of antioxidants improves the qualitative and quantitative indices of the spermogram.

Keywords

• male infertility
• spermogram
• antioxidant activity of spermoplasm
• treatment of infertility