Impact of Malondialdehyde (MDA) Level on Semen Plasma In Male Infertility

Abstract

Background: Male factor infertility contributes to 40% of couples seeking fertility treatment, and about 50% of such couples require assisted reproduction technology as a mainstay treatment modality. Evidence has shown that a significant amount of sperm damage is orchestrated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The imbalance phase between the oxidant and antioxidant can lead to various pathological conditions culminating in abnormal sperm quality. MDA as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation has been studied. However, the impact of its concentration on sperm quality and function is yet to be demonstrated. Despite the perceived association with male infertility.

Materials and Method: A total of 90 men were recruited. Forty-five of them were classified as fertile. They consisted of 25 sperm donors of proven fertility and 20 men in an infertile relationship of purely female aetiology. In contrast, the remaining 45 participants had at least one defect in routine sperm parameters and were considered as having male infertility. Semen samples were produced by masturbation after a period of 3–5 days of abstinence and then analyzed for sperm count, motility, and morphology as per WHO guidelines. Semen MDA was determined using the thiobarbituric acid assay (Buege and Aust, 1978).

Result: Sperm count, sperm total motility and sperm morphology were significantly lower (p<0.01) in infertile males compared to healthy fertile males. The level of oxidative stress to which the participants' spermatozoa were exposed was determined by the levels of MDA in the seminal plasma. MDA level was significantly (p<0.01) elevated in infertile males compared to healthy fertile males.

Conclusion: The association between oxidative stress and male infertility is established. MDA, a valuable biomarker of oxidative stress, could serve as an adjunct investigation when evaluating infertile males.