Seminal Caspase 3, Cytochrome C and Total Atioxidant capacity in Nigerian male subjects undergoing infertility evaluation

Abstract

Male factor infertility may be responsible for about half of cases of infertility. This study evaluated the activities of caspase 3, cytochrome c and total antioxidant capacity in normospermic males investigated for infertility. Seminal plasma cytochrome c, caspases3 and total antioxidant capacity were determined by Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay technique. Sixty (60) infertile males aged 39.6±0.28 and 30 males aged 38.9±0.52 with proven fertility were enrolled. The activities of cytochrome c (p<0.002) and caspase 3 (p<0.01) were significantly higher in infertile but normospermic than controls. There was however no significant different in the level of total antioxidant capacity between the groups. The levels of cytochrome c (p<0.001) and caspase 3 (p<0.02) were significantly higher in the subjects with primary infertility than secondary infertility. Cytochrome c and caspase 3 correlated negatively with sperm morphology in normospermic infertile males. Seminal fluid caspase 3 and cytochrome c activities were higher in normospermic but infertile males than control subjects. The implication of these findings on fertility potential of the male subjects is discussed.

Keywords: Seminal caspase 3, cytochrome c, infertility, normospermia and total antioxidant capacity

Afr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 22 (January, 2019); 59- 63