The relationship of seminal leptin levels with semen parameters and DNA fragmentation

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between human seminal leptin levels and semen parameters. Material and

Methods: Study groups include 30 males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and 30 males who have normal semen parameters. Leptin and DNA fragmentation levels were investigated in both groups, along with a variety of semen parameters including sperm count and motility.

Results: In comparison with the normal males, sperm count and motility have decreased significantly in infertile patients: 6,40±4,29(x106/mL), %, 38,63±14,92 (p<0,0001). DNA fragmentation levels were found as 21,00±8,23 % and 38,43±14,23 %, in normal and patient groups respectively. Seminal leptin levels were 347,58±111,13 ng/mL in the normal group, while there was a significant decrease to 267,63±56,36 ng/mL in the infertile group. Among infertile patient groups, no significant difference was observed regarding the relationship between seminal leptin levels and age, volume, sperm count and motility.

Conclusion: In our study it was demonstrated that, serum leptin levels decrease in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic infertile males, while there is not a significant relation with the motility of sperm. In order to use seminal leptin levels as a diagnostic tool more extensive studies are needed.