Short summary

Oxidative stress in spermatozoa is a known cause of male infertility. Oxidative stress is caused by an oxidative imbalance in which the inner environment of the cell is destabilized by high levels of reactive oxygen species. In Denmark, the level of oxidative stress-related infertility in men has not previously been described, which is the main focus of this study.

Rationale

An oxidative imbalance occurs when high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the male germ cell exceeds the oxidative clearance, leading to a state of oxidative stress.

Spermatozoa are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and excessive ROS affects the naturally occurring processes of the spermatozoa. Oxidative stress in the spermatozoa can often lead to reduced fertility rate, as the spermatozoa are being unable to fuse with the oocyte. In that way, elevated levels of ROS in spermatozoa is known to be a contributing cause of infertility.

The project aims to investigate the oxidative status in infertile, otherwise healthy, men in a Danish fertility clinic. The purpose is to achieve knowledge about the general picture of health in Danish men assigned to fertility treatment. Data from both European and Worldwide studies suggest that in 30-80% of the cases, infertility among men is caused by ROS-mediated oxidative stress. We expect to find that a minimum of 30% of men from the screening program show elevated levels of ROS.

This project will give new insight into male factor infertility and contribute to developing future treatment strategies. Furthermore, the project will be evaluating the novel method of semen analyze, 'MiOXSYS'; a technology based on the level of oxidative stress in the spermatozoa, and which holds the potential of being an improved future diagnostic tool in semen evaluation.

Description of the cohort

The study comprises 100 healthy men of legal age from the Fertility clinic who gave their confirmed statement of consent.

Data and biological material

Ejaculates from each participant are collected. Relevant clinical data from patient journals are registered.

Collaborating researchers and departments

The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital

• Head Consultant, PhD, professor Jens Fedder
• Laboratory leader, PhD Tilde Veng Eskildsen
• Molecular Biologist, PhD-student Laura Catalini