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SPERM OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THE EFFECT OF AN ORAL VITAMIN E AND SELENIUM SUPPLEMENT ON SEMEN QUALITY IN INFERTILE MEN
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2003
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SpermatogenesisNutritionFertilityReproductive HealthGynecologyFemale Reproductive FunctionSemen AnalysisReproductive BiologyOxidative StressFemale InfertilityMale InfertilityAntioxidant DrugsPublic HealthSperm Oxidative StressInfertilityAndrologyMale FertilitySelenium DeficiencySelenium SupplementationSperm ParametersMicronutrientsUrologyMedicine
Antioxidant drugs have shown benefits for semen quality, yet no standardized treatment protocol exists for male infertility. The study evaluated whether vitamin E and selenium supplementation reduce lipid peroxidation and improve sperm parameters. In a randomized open trial, 54 infertile men were assigned to receive either vitamin E (400 mg) plus selenium (225 µg) daily or vitamin B (4.5 g) for three months, with semen and blood samples analyzed for sperm parameters, malondialdehyde levels, and serum vitamin E. Among the 20 completers, vitamin E and selenium supplementation significantly lowered sperm malondialdehyde levels and improved motility compared with vitamin B, confirming their protective effect on semen quality.
Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects of antioxidant drugs on semen quality, but there is no well-defined therapeutical protocol in male infertility. This study aimed to test the effects of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on lipid peroxidation and on sperm parameters. The study included 54 voluntary and infertile men who produced semen samples for spermiogram and for spectrophotometric measurement of a lipid peroxidatio n marker, the malondialdehyde (MDA), and produced blood samples for high-perf ormance liquid chromatography assessment of serum vitamin E level. The trial was randomized and open. Twenty-eight men were supplemented daily by vitamin E (400 mg) and selenium (225 µg), during 3 months. The remaining 26 patients received vitamin B (4,5 g/day) for the same duration. Only 20 patients achieved their treatment and returned for control analysis. MDA concentrations in sperm were much less than in seminal plasma and motility and viability were inversely correlated with semen MDA levels. In contrast to vitamin B supplementation, vitamin E and selenium supplementation produced a significant decrease in MDA concentrations and an improvement of sperm motility. The results confirm the protective and beneficial effects of vitamin E and selenium on semen quality and advocate their use in male infertility treatment.