Seminal Malondialdehyde Concentration And Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase Activity In Male Infertility

Abstract

Aims & objectivesReactive oxygen species (ROS) induced lipid peroxidation is associated with sperm function. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase (CAT) activity represent the lipid peroxidation and spermicidal antioxidant status respectively. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship of MDA, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase levels with sperm parameters. Materials & methods-Specimens were divided into two groups: Group I Normospermia (n=30); Group II Oligoasthenozoospermia (n=30). Seminal MDA concentration was measured by thiobarbituric acid reaction method. Seminal SOD activity was measured by Marklund and Marklund method. Seminal Catalase activity was measured by potassium dichromate colorimetric assay. Seminal MDA levels, SOD and Catalase activities in both groups were compared. Significance of the data is analyzed using unpaired t-test. Results MDA concentrations in both groups were significantly different (12.65 ± 1.68 nmole/m vs 21.58 ± 1.54 nmole/ml). SOD & Catalase activities in both groups were also significantly different. SOD levels in oligoasthenozoosperia were 27.99 ± 4.36 Units/ml and in normospermia 12.96 ± 3.35 U/ml whereas levels of catalase in oligiasthenozoosperia were 1.36 ± 0.44 Units/mg of protein and normospermia were 5.12 ± 1.03 Units/mg of protein. SOD & Catalase activities were positively and significantly correlated with the sperm concentration and sperm motility. Conclusion : Measurement of seminal MDA concentrations, antioxidant enzymes SOD & CAT can be used as a additional, simple and useful tool in predicting quality of sperm parameters.