The Efficacy of the Supplementation of Selenium on the Semen Quality and Serum Concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in Infertile Men
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61856/wmj94h52Keywords:
Selenium, Male Infertility inflammatory Cytokines Semen AnalysisAbstract
For male fertility, normal sperm quality is essential. Approximately 20% of men in relationships experience male infertility, defined as the inability to achieve conception with the same partner after one year of frequent, unprotected sexual activity. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with male infertility. Selenium, due to its antioxidant properties, may protect cells from the harmful effects of oxidation and infection. Furthermore, it has the potential to improve semen parameters, thereby enhancing sperm quality and male fertility. This research aims to investigate the impact of selenium on the improvement of sperm quality and the levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in infertile men. A follow-up study was conducted on infertile male patients at a private urology clinic in Baghdad, Iraq. In this study, 25 infertile men were administered a daily dose of 200 mg of selenium for three months, from January 1 to March 31, 2024. Tests for TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and semen analysis were performed before and after the treatment to assess the outcomes. The findings of this study revealed that the infertile group had significantly reduced semen parameters compared to the regular control group. Additionally, before treatment, the infertile group exhibited significantly higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP than the control group. Furthermore, when comparing the treated infertile group to the untreated infertile group after therapy, there was a significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels, along with a notable increase in semen parameters. The results of this research suggest that selenium supplementation leads to a substantial reduction in TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels in infertile men and a marked improvement in semen parameters after treatment. These findings support the conclusion that selenium is an essential therapeutic agent for improving semen parameters and reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels in infertile men.
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