Effect of Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis and Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels on IVF Results in Male Factor Infertility

The thiol-disulfide Homeostasis (TDH) is believed to participate in critical physiological functions, including antioxidant defense, detoxification, signal transduction, enzymatic activity regulation, apoptosis, and cellular communication within the human reproductive system. Ischemia-Modified Albumin (IMA) is considered a surrogate marker for oxidative stress (OS) and has also been linked to ischemia-reperfusion injury. The present study was designed to investigate the alteration of OS markers, including TDH and IMA levels, in couples diagnosed with male infertility, and to examine the association between these OS markers and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Couples in which women aged 23-45 years and undergoing IVF treatment due to male factor and unexplained infertility will be enrolled. The serum native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT) levels, disulfide levels and disulfide/TT and NT/TT ratios will be compered between two groups. The serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) level will also compared between male infertility and unexplained infetility group. TDH related parameters as NT and TT may be useful as a reflection of OS and as potential diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility

Inclusion criteria

Couples in which women aged 23-45 years and undergoing IVF treatment due to male factor and unexplained infertility were enrolled.

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Exclusion criteria

Patients with hepatic or renal disease, systemic infections, systemic inflammatory disorders (such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid hormone disorders, rheumatologic, autoimmune, endocrine, neoplastic or other inflammatory conditions), or a diagnosis of endometriosis were excluded from the study. Smokers were excluded. Additionally, women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) were also not included in this study.

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