Consequences of semen inflammation and lipid peroxidation on fertilization capacity of spermatozoa in in vitro conditions

Abstract

A body of data exists on reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, however, no direct correlation was found between the oxidative stress and infertility. The aim of the study was to measure semen oxidative stress and its correlation with classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate. A prospective study in academic non-profit institution where 79 infertile couples were subjected to IVF programme was conducted. Two infertile groups were discriminated according to the pronuclei presence in IVF. The main outcome measure (pronuclei presence) was then correlated with lipid peroxidation product in semen (ROS effect). Although the average IL-8 levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in semen did not differ between the studied subgroups (successful vs. non-successful fertilization), a statistically significant negative correlation was found between MDA level and fertilization rate in performed regression analysis. Thus we may suggest that MDA levels in seminal plasma may have prognostic value for IVF success.

Mechanisms of the harmful effects of bacterial semen infection on ejaculated human spermatozoa: potential inflammatory markers in semen

“…However, the harmful effect of cytokines on sperm membranes appears to be closely associated with the accompanying leukocytospermia. This has been confirmed by numerous reports that have documented correlations between seminal leukocyte count and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations [140,[143][144][145][146][147][148]. Also in our own in vitro observations, the peroxidative damage of sperm membrane lipids was markedly enhanced in the simultaneous presence of cytokines and leukocytes [149].…”

The Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Semen Oxidative Stress Markers in Men with Idiopathic Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Before-After Study

“…Furthermore, seminal oxidative stress has been reported to have a positive correlation with sperm DNA damage (19) and impairment of sperm fertilization capacity (20). Higher levels of ROS in infertile men semen compared to fertile counterparts support the in vitro data (21).…”

Physiologic and pathologic levels of reactive oxygen species in neat semen of infertile men

“…The ROS concentration in seminal plasma has a significant deleterious effect on fertilization rates after IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (32,43). Therefore, measuring ROS levels before assisted reproductive technology may be beneficial in predicting various end points of assisted reproductive technology such as the fertilization rate and the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa (32,44). Taking oral antioxidant supplements and adding antioxidants to the sperm preparation media and assisted reproductive technology media have improved sperm parameters and pregnancy outcome (45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51).…”