Selenium status of idiopathic infertile Nigerian males

Selenium concentration in the sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligospermia and 20 azoospermia) and 40 males with proven evidence of fertility (normospermia; control group) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were correlated with spermatogram and hormon...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological trace element research 2005-04, Vol.104 (1), p.9-18
Main Authors: Akinloye, Oluyemi, Arowojolu, A O, Shittu, O B, Adejuwon, C A, Osotimehin, Babatunde
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Fertility
Hormones - blood
Humans
Infertility
Infertility, Male - epidemiology
Infertility, Male - metabolism
Male
Males
Middle Aged
Nigeria - epidemiology
Nutritional Status
Oligospermia - blood
Oligospermia - epidemiology
Plasma
Selenium
Selenium - blood
Selenium - metabolism
Semen - metabolism
Spectral analysis
Spectrophotometry
Sperm Count
Sperm Motility - physiology
Spermatozoa - physiology
Testosterone - blood
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Summary:Selenium concentration in the sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligospermia and 20 azoospermia) and 40 males with proven evidence of fertility (normospermia; control group) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were correlated with spermatogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentrations of selenium was found to be significantly increased in oligospermic compared to azoospermic subjects and controls (p < 0.01), whereas the seminal plasma level was significantly higher in azoospermic compared to oligospermic subjects and controls (p < 0.001). Thus, the ratio of serum selenium to seminal plasma selenium was 1: 1 in controls, 4: 1 in oligospermia, and 1: 2 in azoospermic subject.A significant inverse correlation was observed between serum selenium level and sperm count (p < 0.01). Similarly, seminal plasma selenium correlated with spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology. Serum selenium level shows positive correlation with the serum testosterone level (p < 0.01). In conclusion, there appears to be a physiological balance in the distribution of selenium in serum and seminal plasma compartment of control males. A disturbance in this balance has a significant influence on spermatogenesis. Selenium appears to have a positive influence on Leydig cells, thus influencing the secretion of testosterone.
ISSN:0163-4984
0163-4984
1559-0720
DOI:10.1385/bter:104:1:009