Spermogram abnormalities correlate with epididymo-vesicular biochemical markers in infertile men: an analytical cross-sectional study

Abstract

Context and objective. The sperm tests explore testicular spermatogenesis, epididymal maturation and storage, prostate and seminal vesicle secretions and genital tract patency. The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between spermogram abnormalities and epididymalvesicular biomarkers of spouses in infertile couples. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from November 15, 2020 to October 15, 2021 at the Centre Universitaire de Diagnostic du Graben in Butembo, DRCongo. The correlation between spermogram abnormalities and epididymal biomarkers was investigated by determining the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. One hundred ninety-two patients were involved. The alphaglucosidase concentration was low in 31.2 % of cases of altered spermograms against 7.3 % of the spouses with normal spermograms. The fructose concentration was also low in 37.5 % of cases of altered spermograms against 4.2% of normal spermograms. Semen volume was associated with reduced fructose concentration while sperm concentration, motility, vitality and morphology were correlated with reduced alphaglucosidase levels. Chlamydia (OR: 13.7), Gonorrhoea (OR: 3.8), anti-sperm antibody serology (OR: 6.05), history of STI (OR: 3.61), smoking (OR: 5.62), leukocytospermia (OR: 6.23) as well as varicocele and obesity were significantly correlated with spermogram abnormalities. The latter were dominated by oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (39.6%) and consisted of various types of abnormalities including azoospermia (15.6 %). Conclusion. The functional status of the epididymo-vesicular and genital tract influences semen quality. Genitou-inary tract infections, even if asymptomatic, are the major etiological factor of infertility. The topographical diagnosis requires the contribution of sperm biochemical markers for a judicious therapeutic approach.