Effect of seminal oxidative stress on fertility after vasectomy reversal.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate seminal oxidative stress in men after vasectomy reversal and to determine whether seminal oxidative stress could predict fertility after vasectomy reversal.


METHODS
Measurement of seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in normal donors, men who were fertile after vasectomy reversal, and men who were infertile after vasectomy reversal.


METHODS
A male infertility clinic of a tertiary care center.


METHODS
Thirty men who underwent vasectomy reversal and 17 normal donors.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Semen characteristics, seminal ROS, and TAC were measured with chemiluminescence assays in samples from donors and reversal patients.


RESULTS
Mean adjusted seminal ROS (log [ROS+1]) was higher in infertile reversal patients (2.38+/-0.25) than in normal donors (1.30+/-0.14). Seminal ROS was also higher in all (fertile and infertile reversal combined) reversal patients than in donors. Total antioxidant capacity did not differ between groups. The ROS-TAC score, a composite index of seminal oxidative stress, was a significant predictor of fertility. A ROS-TAC score of 45 or greater had a positive predictive value of 73% in predicting fertility.


CONCLUSIONS
Seminal oxidative stress is associated with vasectomy reversal. The ROS-TAC score is a possible predictor of infertility after vasectomy reversal.
Kolettis
P N
PN
Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Sharma
R K
RK
Pasqualotto
F F
FF
Nelson
D
D
Thomas
A J
AJ
Agarwal
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D014669:Vasovasostomy