Correlation of oxidation–reduction potential with hormones, semen parameters and testicular volume

Abstract

Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a major cause of male factor infertility and can be measured as oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). Studies showed significant negative relationships of ORP with sperm count, motility or DNA integrity. Since these parameters are also positively or negatively associated with reproductive hormones follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone, testicular volume and the occurrence of varicocele, it is important to understand the mechanistic relationship between ORP and hormonal and/or testicular parameters. Therefore, we studied the relationship between ORP levels, standard hormone profiles and testicular volume in infertile men with and without varicocele. Results show a highly significant negative relationship of ORP with testicular volume and significantly positive correlations with FSH and LH. Yet, when adding varicocele as covariate, the relationship with FSH/LH became nonsignificant. Contrary, the presence of varicocele had only a contributing influence on the association of ORP with the testis volume. No association was found with estradiol. We propose that since OS causes degeneration of Sertoli cell with testicular shrinkage, such negative effect would result in a negative feedback on the hypothalamus with less inhibin secretion. This may result in increased secretion of LH and FSH. Thus, systemic and/or local OS may be responsible for smaller testis volumes.

Redox status assessment in infertile patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia undergoing testicular sperm extraction: A prospective study

“…To effort our hypothesis, other authors addressed this issue. Indeed, previous studies showed that OS could reduce testicular volume, via Sertoli cell degeneration , since Sertoli cells line up seminiferous tubules and make up to 90% of the testicular tissue . In particular, systemic and/or local OS might be the cause of this negative relationship by reducing the volume and number of Sertoli cells via lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis.…”

The Relationship of Male Infertility with Somatosensory Amplification, Health Anxiety and Depression Levels

“…23 There are many studies evaluating psychological well-being of patients with infertility, especially their anxiety and depression levels. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]24 Increased stress-related anxiety and depression have been shown to reduce the success of in vitro fertilization by affecting cytokine levels. 11 In addition, it has been emphasized that semen parameters were adversely affected as a result of changes in the blood hormonal levels.…”

“…3 Anxiety and depressive disorders were reported to be more common in infertile individuals. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9] It has been reported that the incidence of psychiatric disorders in both male and female infertility is 12.41% after 2 years of diagnosis and that psychiatric support might be needed during the diagnosis and the treatment of infertility. 8 In addition, a change in the blood and semen levels of hormonal and oxidative stress products has been shown to depend on the level of depression and anxiety.…”

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians

“…By using oxidation reduction potential (ORP) as a measure of redox balance and SDF (by TUNEL) with cut-off values of 1.36 mV/10 6 sperm/mL and 32%, respectively, fertilization has been predicted with high sensitivity and specificity [139]. However, few studies report weak [140,141] or no correlation between ORP and SDF [134], suggesting that ORP and SDF testing might reflect the general impact of seminal OS on sperm functions and specifically on DNA, respectively. Therefore, ORP cannot be recommended as a standalone test in substitution of SDF evaluation, considering that other factors, such as abortive apoptosis or defects in DNA protamination, can render spermatozoa more susceptible to OS and DNA damage, even at relatively low ROS levels [142].…”