Authors: FR Ochsendorf¹; R Buhl²; A Bastlein¹; H Beschmann¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 13, Number 2, February 1998 , pp. 353-359(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Glutathione has a central role in the defence against oxidative damage; however, the data on glutathione concentrations in the semen of infertile men are limited. To expand this knowledge the glutathione content of the ejaculates and blood plasmas of 77 infertile men and 11 controls were analysed. The concentrations of total glutathione were assessed in spermatozoa, seminal plasma and blood plasma using a coupled spectrophotometric assay. In the spermatozoa of patients with oligozoospermia the glutathione concentrations (2.57 ± 0.96 nmol/10⁸ spermatozoa; mean ± SD) were significantly lower than in the controls (3.49 ± 0.87 nmol/10⁸ spermatozoa; P ± 0.03). The glutathione content of spermatozoa from patients with normozoospermia showed large variations (3.04 ± 1.37 nmol/10⁸ spermatozoa). An association between the intracellular glutathione content and the ability to penetrate bovine cervical mucus was observed (r = 0.2, P = 0.04). The intracellular glutathione concentrations correlated with the glutathione levels in seminal plasma (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between glutathione concentrations in blood plasma and those in seminal plasma or in spermatozoa. The glutathione concentrations in seminal plasmas did not differ between the different groups, however, correlated with the serum follicle stimulating hormone concentrations (r = 0.53, P = 0.005). This study demonstrated that intracellular glutathione levels of spermatozoa are decreased in certain populations of infertile men.

Keywords:antioxidants/glutathione/male infertility/oxidative stress

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Zentrum Dermatologie und Venerologie and 2: Klinik f. Innere Medizin II, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Publication date: 1998-02-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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