Ischemia-modified albumin as a predicting biomarker of oxidative stress in males with primary infertility

Objectives To evaluate the serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) level in patients with primary infertility as a useful marker for assessing oxidative stress. Background Infertility is a condition affecting 15% of the world's population. IMA is calculated through the evaluation of the binding of cobalt to albumin. Patients and methods This prospective study was conducted on 40 male patients of primary infertility with completely normal partner and 40 apparently healthy volunteers as a control group. Every participant was subjected to laboratory tests (complete blood count, liver and renal functions, hemoglobin A1c, measurement of serum IMA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and semen analysis) and scrotal ultrasound. Results IMA was significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Sperm count per milliliter was significantly lower in the case group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Red blood cell count was significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (P = 0.002), whereas white blood cell count was significantly lower in the case group compared with the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusion Both RBC count and IMA were significantly higher in cases compared with the control group. IMA may be a good predictor for patients with oligozoospermia due to reactive oxygen species injury.