JIST

Abstract

It has been proposed that malondialdehyde (MDA) plays an important role in male infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of seminal plasma levels of malondialdehyde with sperm concentration, morphology, motility and viability.

Samples were divided into four groups—Group 1: normozoospermia (n=48); Group 2: asthenozoospermia (n=20); Group 3: oligoasthenozoospermia (n=21); and Group 4: oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (n=27).

Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was measured by using spectrophotometer. 

Mean values of sperm count, percentage motility, percentage normal sperm morphology and percent viability were found to decrease in order from group 1 to 4. Mean MDA concentrations in μmol/L were 30.42±8.99, 39.60±15.06, 47.75±11.52 and 48.51±10.51 (p<0.001), respectively in groups 1–4. There was negative correlation between MDA concentration with sperm concentration, morphology, motility and viability.

These results suggest a possible role of MDA in pathophysiology of male infertility.