Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility.

Last updated: January 8, 2024
Sponsor: IRCCS San Raffaele
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Men's Health

Hypogonadism

Infertility

Treatment

no intervention

Clinical Study ID

NCT06210568
INAIL OSES2022
  • Ages 18-50
  • Male

Study Summary

Study Aims:

To evaluate the impact of oxidative and nitrosative stress, as well as DNA methylation, on male reproductive health. This is achieved by analyzing urinary biomarkers: 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo, 8-oxodGuo, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NO2Tyr), 5-methylcytidine (5-MeCyt), and cotinine in infertile and fertile males.

Study Design:

A prospective observational case-control study comparing infertile male patients (cases) from a reproductive sciences center with fertile male volunteers (controls) from a gynecology and obstetrics department. The study focuses on understanding the role of oxidative stress in male infertility and its implications for assisted reproductive techniques.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria: Infertile Male Patients: a diagnosis of couple infertility due to no conception for over 12months (as per the access criteria for Assisted Reproductive Technology defined by law 40/2004), aged between 18 and 50 years, and having signed informed consent. Fertile Males:Inclusion criteria are having fathered at least one child, aged between 18and 50 years, and having signed informed consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria: Infertile Male Patients: Exclusion criteria include a clear diagnosis of infertility due toestablished clinical evidence (evident endocrinological disorders, previous testiculartrauma, vasectomy, epididymitis, orchitis, cryptorchidism, varicocele), inability toproduce a useful semen sample for analysis (azoospermia), past diseases that involvedradiological therapies in the genital area, and creatinuria levels outside the WHO normalrange (0.3-3 grams). Fertile Males:conception using assisted reproductive techniques and a waiting time of morethan 12 months for conception, as well as creatinuria levels outside the WHO normal range (0.3-3 grams).

Study Design

Total Participants: 800
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: no intervention
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 27, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
June 30, 2025

Study Description

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples in their reproductive age. Male factors contribute to 45-50% of infertility cases, with 7% of the global male population diagnosed as infertile. Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, plays a significant role in semen quality degradation. High levels of ROS, unbalanced by antioxidant mechanisms, damage spermatozoa, affecting motility and morphology, and compromising their fertilizing ability. Excessive ROS production, antioxidant depletion, and inactivation or reduced production of antioxidant enzymes contribute to this imbalance. Oxidative stress not only induces lipid peroxidation in sperm membranes but also impacts DNA integrity and increases apoptosis rates. It is estimated to be a significant factor in 30-80% of male infertility cases. Oxidative and nitrosative stress are interrelated; increased ROS levels can interact with nitrogen species, causing further reproductive function damage. Urinary oxidized nucleic acid bases, particularly 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo), serve as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Additionally, DNA methylation plays a crucial role in biological processes, with 5-methylcytidine (5-MeCyt) acting as an epigenetic biomarker.

Objectives:

The primary objective is to assess the role of oxidative, nitrosative stress, and DNA methylation on male reproductive health by evaluating urinary biomarkers: 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo, 8-oxodGuo, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NO2Tyr), 5-MeCyt, and cotinine. The secondary objectives include evaluating semen quality parameters impacted by oxidative stress and identifying potential environmental and lifestyle exposure sources contributing to oxidative stress.

Study Design:

This monocentric, prospective observational study will involve two patient groups: infertile male patients ("cases") attending the Center for Reproductive Sciences and fertile male volunteers ("controls") from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Procedures for patients and volunteers are additional to the study protocol and not experimental in nature. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of oxidative stress in male infertility and its potential impact on assisted reproductive techniques.

Connect with a study center

  • IRCCS San Raffaele

    Milan, MI 20132
    Italy

    Active - Recruiting

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