Investigation of malondialdehyde and some elements in young infertile males

Abstract

Infertility is an important medical issue that has serious medical and psychosocial effects on affected individuals. In 2003, the Iraqi community suffered from profanation acts because of conflicts in the country. Toxic chemicals and radioactive materials caused numerous injuries and deaths. The people who survived these horrific events eventually suffered either from cancer or infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and some trace elements in the seminal plasma of infertile males and determine their effects on sperm parameters. This study included 41 infertile males 18-40 years old. Levels of MDA, zinc, copper and magnesium were measured in their semen via spectrophotometry. According to the classification of the World Health Organisation, the patients were classified into three groups: normospermia, oligospermia and asthenspermia. Results showed significant differences in MDA and zinc levels among the three groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, results showed a mildly positive correlation between MDA levels and sperm count (r = 0.57). This study established that levels of MDA and some trace elements contribute to male infertility.