Role of Caspase -3 and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in Idiopathic Infertile Male

Abstract

Background: Sperm differentiation during spermatogenesis is highly regulated by different caspases and oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms.   

Objective: To assess the levels of the caspase -3 and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in seminal plasma and evaluate its role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic infertile male in comparison with healthy individuals.

Patients and Methods: Seminal fluids were collected from seventy males with idiopathic infertility and twenty male with proven fertility and were analyzed for the level of caspase -3 and TAC in seminal fluid and their correlation with seminal fluid quality parameters.

Results: The results revealed that men with idiopathic infertility have significantly higher level of caspase-3 activity. Seminal TAC levels were significantly lower in those with idiopathic infertility compared with fertile men. A negative correlation was noticed between sperm quality parameters and TAC levels in idiopathic infertile men.

Conclusion: Increased apoptotic index and decreased TAC activity are two important markers in idiopathic male infertility.