Assessment of serum essential/non-essential elements, biochemical variables and its association with semen parameters and the risk of male infertility

Abstract

Abstract Essential metals are involved in various cellular processes of the body and non-essential metals are toxic even in small amounts and have no biological role. The deficiency or over-exposure of these elements perturbs the reproductive health of males. A cross-sectional study has been conducted to investigate the association of a) essential (Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se) and non-essential elements (Pb, Cd, As, Ba, Bi, U, V); b) biochemical variables (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, albumin, and total protein) with risk of male infertility. A total of 46 males from infertile couples have been selected for the study. Serum element concentrations were estimated using ICP-MS and biochemical parameters were estimated by colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS and R package. A significant difference was observed for Cr and LDL at p < 0.10 among study groups. Significant difference was found for spermatozoa volume, count and motility between study groups. Serum albumin levels are positively associated with sperm motility. Cr is negatively correlated with triglyceride levels (p = 0.03). Fe and Co are also significantly but negatively correlated with cholesterol levels (p = 0.05). Mn, Cu, Pd, Cd, and Ba are significantly positively correlated with semen volume. Cr, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pd, Cd, As, Ba, U, and V are significantly positively correlated with liquefaction time (p < 0.05). The investigation of metals may help in the screening of male infertility as some metals may have therapeutic potential or toxic nature that can be used in the management of condition.