Total oxidation status in the semen of fertile males

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of oxidative stress on sperm quality in fertile males by determining the total oxidant status (TOS). The parameters of the antioxidant defense system and the levels of selected trace elements were also measured. The study population included 55 fertile males from the southern region of Poland. Based on the seminal plasma TOS value median, the study population was divided into the two subgroups: a subgroups with low TOS value (TOS-L) and a subgroup with high TOS value (TOS-H). The comparison between the examined subgroups showed poorer sperm motility in the TOS-H group. Additionally, lower total antioxidant capacity value and lower activities of the following antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) were shown in the TOS-H subgroup. Besides, we found higher levels of copper and iron as well as lower levels of zinc in the TOS-H group compared to the TOS-L group. The TOS value seems to be a sensitive marker of oxidative stress in semen. In fertile males, higher oxidative stress intensity was associated with poorer semen quality and decreased antioxidant capacity in semen.