Assessment of Resolvin E1 in Relation to Hormonal Profiles and Semen Parameters in Male Infertility

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress, as well as inflamed tissues and damaged sperm DNA, tend to be linked to the fertility problems in men, over half of all global cases can be linked to these causes. The molecules of lipid origin, such as Resolvin E1 (RvE1), aid in alleviating the swelling and restoring the balance of body tissues. Nevertheless, researchers have not studied the potential impact of RvE1 on male reproduction fully.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine Resolvin E1 in the blood and semen of infertile males, and then compare the results with healthy ones. Correlation between hormone levels, including testosterone, FSH, and LH, and outcomes in the two groups was also studied by the researchers.

Methods: Individuals who participated provided blood and semen. Blood levels of hormones such as FSH, LH and testosterone were also monitored and RvE1 was also monitored in blood and at the same time also in semen fluid. The practical aspect of the research will occur in the period between October 2024 and December 2024. Sampling was done in two locations: the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis - Al-Nahrain University and the IVF AL-Abayechi clinic at Baghdad, Iraq.

Results: The 44 males were separated into three groups, including the normal sperm, reduced-motility (asthenozoospermic), and astheno-oligo-teratozoospermic (AOT). High concentrations of RvE1 were found in semen in the AOT cohort (p = 0.006), and the concentration of RvE1 in blood remained fairly stable across groups (p = 0.127). AOT men were found to have low sperm count, low sperm motility, and high percentages of abnormal morphology. After assessment of hormones, there was little difference in the measurements between groups. Finally, the hormonal markers also seemed to be very close across the analyzed groups.

Conclusion: The seminal levels of higher RvE1 might be due to localized inflammation or irritation but not a better fertility. This implies that RvE1 can be the indication of inflammation of the reproductive area, but it is not the evidence of healthier sperm. Further studies that involve larger samples are needed to support this assertion.