Significance of trace elements in seminal plasma of infertile men

The seminal fluid has the important function as a vehicle for the transportation of the spermatozoa through the epididymis, the vas deferens, and urethra and into the vagina. Major changes in the level of trace elements like zinc, magnesium, and cadmium in semen appear to be related to abnormal spermatozoal function and fertilizing capacity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of trace elements in semen of subfertile men compared to levels in the blood. The relationship of the trace elements with spermatozoal parameters was also evaluated. As part of the infertility evaluation, semen acid blood samples were collected from 50 males attending the combined infertility clinic at a maternity hospital after 3 days' abstinence. Semen analysis and hypo-osmotic swelling tests were done on fresh semen samples. The serum and remaining semen sample were stored at -20 degrees C until they were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometry. No significant differences occurred in the levels of trace elements in normozoospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic semen. However, significantly high levels of cadmium were detected in semen of men who were smokers and had asthenozoospermia (p < 0.001) compared with those who had normal motility. We conclude that the high level of cadmium in smokers with asthenozoospermia is evidence of the possible toxic effect of this trace element and this may be one of the causes of asthenozoospermia.