Male Infertility and Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress ocurs when free radicals, potentially destructive molecules that lack a stabilizing electron, accumulate inside the body because of stress, aging, illness, poor diet, low antioxidant levels, and other factors. Recently, researchers have discovered strong clinical evidence that men diagnosed with infertility have high levels of oxidative stress that may impair the quality of their sperm.

In one study, 167 infertile male patients receiving treatment at the male infertility clinic of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Urology Department were evaluated to determine their levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, as well as the quality of their sperm.1The men were divided into four groups based on their specific diagnosis of infertility.

Compared with a control group, the infertile men in all groups had significantly higher levels of ROS and lower levels of total antioxidants. In some groups, higher levels of ROS were associated with lower sperm counts and defective sperm structure, while lower antioxidant levels correlated with reduced sperm movement. Indeed, evidence shows that men with high levels of ROS have a seven-fold lower likelihood of inducing a pregnancy than men with lower levels.1 These results support previous evidence showing that oxidative stress can decrease a sperm's life span, its motility, and its ability to penetrate the oocyst, or egg cell.

Some experts suggest that treatment for infertile men should include strategies to reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality. "Lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane may be one of the key mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of male infertility," the researchers suggest. Up to 40% of men with male infertility without a known cause have higher levels of free radical activity in their bodies.1

Reactive oxygen species have a special penchant for attacking polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in high amounts in the sperm membrane. To protect sperm from this damage, the body depends on powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase/reductase.2,3

The Oxidative Stress Analysis includes measures of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two of the antioxidant enzymes cited as crucial for protecting sperm membrane damage from oxidative stress. This profile also evaluates reduced glutathione, lipid peroxides, and hydroxyl radical markers for a thorough assessment of oxidative balance, providing a concrete clinical benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of nutritional therapy.

References

1 Pasqualotto FF, Sharma RK, Nelson DR, Thomas AJ Jr, Agarwal A. Relationship between oxidative stress, semen characteristics, and clincial diagnosis in men undergoing infertility investigation. Fertil Steril 2000;73:459-64.

2 Sharma RK, Agarwal A. Reactive oxygen species and male infertility. Urology 1996;48:835-50

3 De Lamirande E, Gagnon C. Human sperm hyperactivation in whole semen and its association with low superoxide scavenging capacity in seminal plasma. Fertil Steril 1993;59:1291-5.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.