Impact of Seminal Plasma Zinc and Serum Zinc Level on Semen Parameter of Fertile and Infertile Males

Abstract

Summary:Background: Despite Zinc (Zn) deficiency being prevalent in humans, less emphasis has been given on the understanding of its impact on male reproduction. Spermatogenesis has a strict requirement for zinc. The relationship of seminal plasma zinc level and semen parameter until now is controversial .Objective : The study was done to find out the impact of seminal plasma zinc and serum zinc level on semen parameter of fertile and infertile males. Result: Seminal parameters between fertile and infertile men showed significantly high sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility, and morphology in fertile group. In fertile men, serum zinc level was lower than the infertile group, whereas the seminal plasma zinc level was higher in the fertile than the infertile group which was not statistically significant. In fertile men except for serum zinc, all parameters showed positive relationship; and in infertile men, except sperm morphology, all other parameters showed negative relationship. Seminal plasma zinc shows positive correlation with all semen parameters in fertile group and negative correlation in infertile group except for sperm morphology. There is negative correlation of serum zinc and seminal zinc-in both groups. Regarding other parameters, semen zinc shows positive correlation with all parameter except sperm morphology in fertile men and negative correlation with all parameter except sperm count in infertile men.Conclusion: Seminal zinc levels in fertile men are higher than those in the infertile patients although the serum zinc level is lower. Zinc levels in seminal plasma has a direct relationship with semen parameters. Zinc deficiency may be an important risk factor for low semen parameters and idiopathic male infertility.

Influence of Seminal Metals on Assisted Reproduction Outcome

“…However, publications about the role of Zn in male fertility report different findings and conclusions. Zhao et al [27] concluded that Zn levels in the seminal plasma of infertile males were significantly lower than that of normal males, and thus, Zn deficiency may cause sperm dysfunction and male infertility, but, on the other hand, a highly toxic content of Zn could have a negative effect on sperm quality [12,28,29]. In the present study, agreeing with other authors [5,7,28], Zn was present in all semen samples, since a significant relationship was discovered between higher Zn levels and better seminal quality.…”

An Overview of Essential Microelements and Common Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Male Fertility

“…Adverse effects of excess Zn on male fertility have rarely been reported. Few reports suggest, though, that an excess of Zn may have a negative effect on sperm quality [ 92 , 127 ]. The relationship between excess Zn in the diet and prostate cancer has also been confirmed in other studies [ 128 ].…”