A Study of Endocrinopathies and Some Stress Biomarkers in Infertile Male in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Infertility is a growing gynecological problem in our communities with couples of child bearing age having difficulties bearing children; it has been reported that 40% of infertility cases are attributed to the male. This study is aimed at determining the contributions of endocrinopathies and some stress biomarkers to male infertility. A total of one hundred and thirty two (132) participants were recruited into the study. They consist of the study group (82) male with the condition of infertility attending fertility clinic in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) General Hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria, and the control group (50), male without the condition of infertility. The Prolactin, Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Salivary Cortisol and Salivary Alpha Amylase were estimated using both competitive and non-competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques; while sperm analysis was estimated using conventional methods. The mean Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH), Sperm cells count and Sperm activity (%) were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the male study group relative to the control group (3.44±2.35 versus 5.86±1.55; 4.50±2.20 versus 5.91±1.66; 19.42±26.08 versus 53.80±11.74 and 33.99±26.07 versus 49.10.8±14.80 respectively); while Prolactin, salivary Cortisol and Alpha Amylase were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the male study group relative to the control group (18.01±11.56 versus 6.98±3.34; 449.75±106.81 versus 340.65±72.53 and 13.12±4.39 versus 8.45±3.01 respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the study group and control group p>0.05. Both conditions of oligospermia and azospermia were observed in the male study group, with associated hormonal abnormalities. Stress in male cause decreased semen quantity and quality