Fatty acid composition in normozoospermic, asthenozoopermic, asthenoteratozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic ejaculates

The lipids of the spermatozoa membrane are important for the fluidity and flexibility of spermatozoa. However, spermatozoa’s lipids are the main substrates for peroxidation, which may provoke severe functional disorder of sperm.

The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acids composition of spermatozoa in men with asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared with normozoospermic males.

A cross-sectional study was designed. The patients were 51 men with seminal parameters abnormalities undergoing infertility screening. The patients were grouped into asthenozoospermic (n=15), asthenoteratozoospermic (n=21) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (n=15). The patients were compared with 21 males with normozoospermia. Sperm fatty acid analysis was performed using capillary gas chromatography.

Levels of stearic acid and oleic acid were significantly higher in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic subjects compared with these levels in normozoospermic males. Levels of arachidonic acid and DHA were significantly lower in the sperms of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic males than normozoospermic men. Sperm motility and morphology were correlated positively with levels of arachidonic acid and DHA while a negative correlation was observed with levels of stearic acid and oleic acid.

In conclusion, impaired sperm function can originate from the disorder of sperm lipid metabolism. Low levels of DHA and arachidonic acid in spermatozoa of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic subjects may be the result of breakdown of them.