Work

Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Male Infertility: Evaluation of Antioxidant Enzymes and Arachidonic Acid Derivatives in Seminal Plasma from Fertile and Infertile Men

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Male infertility accounts for approximately 50% of reproductive failures, yet its diagnosis and understanding of underlying mechanisms remain limited. The present observational case–control study aimed to examine seminal plasma concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), F2-isoprostane, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), and their ratios, in fertile (n = 22, aged 24–45) and infertile (n = 250, aged 21–47) men, including analyses across specific infertile subgroups, using ELISA assays. Overall, no significant differences were observed between fertile and infertile men. However, subgroup analyses revealed notable differences: PGE2 levels were elevated in asthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic infertile men (14.23 µg/mL vs. 3.52 µg/mL, p = 0.030), 6-keto-PGF1α levels were higher in teratozoospermic compared to azoospermic individuals (184.97 ng/mL vs. 102.49 ng/mL, p = 0.040), and the PGE2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio showed the greatest intergroup variability. Correlation analyses indicated associations between antioxidant enzymes, prostaglandins and standard semen parameters. These findings provide novel insights into seminal plasma biochemistry and highlight specific parameters and mechanisms that may contribute to functional impairments in infertile men.

Source: Antioxidants

DOI: 10.3390/antiox14121470

Authors: Kamil Rodak, Izabela Kokot, Ricardo Faundez, Iwona Gilowska, Ewa Maria Kratz

Institutions: Wroclaw Medical University, University of Opole

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499