Evaluation of vitamin E levels, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde in women with unexplained infertility

Abstract

Unexplained infertility is a perplexing disorder. 30% of infertile couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility with all standard fertility investigations normal. Oxidative stress has been shown to have a negative impact on reproductive function in women with endometriosis and (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome. In another study antioxidant supplementation improved OS induced infertility. Many studies have demonstrated an increase in Malondialdehyde in serum of women with infertility and vitamin E as a protective antioxidant in the body with positive effect on the fertility. There is growing evidence linking OS and unexplained infertility.Based on this knowledge the specific group of unexplained infertile women were chosen to assess their levels of serum antioxidant enzymes, Vitamin E and lipid peroxidation marker. To compare the Levels of Malondialdehyde, Antioxidant enzymes and Vitamin E in the serum of women with unexplained infertility and control group.: Case control study.70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group. 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. Serum levels of MDA, Antioxidant enzymes (GST, SOD, Catalase) and Vitamin E concentrations were compared between two groups. Vitamin E concentrations were determined by using High performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant enzymes and MDA were measured by standard spectrophotometric assay.: Data was analysed using SPSS Software. Continuous parameters were analysed using Mann Whitney U test. There is a significant decrease in the vitamin E levels 3.80 ug/ml) in the unexplained infertile group as compared to controls 6.0 ug/ml). All women in the study group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of MDA and lower levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and Catalase as compared to the fertile women. This decrease was found to be significant with p value of <0.05. The study group have a higher oxidative stress status and low level of antioxidants compared to control group. Serial measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers and their defense system may help to understand the aetiology of unexplained infertility and to enhance their chances of conception.