TREATMENT OF ASTHENOZOOSPERMIA WITH ZINC-SULFATE - ANDROLOGICAL, IMMUNOLOGICAL AND OBSTETRIC OUTCOME

Objectives: The role of zinc therapy on infertility caused by defectiv e sperm quality is examined. Study design: In this study, 100 men with asthenozoospermia were randomised into two groups - 250 mg twice dail y zinc therapy for 3 months and no therapy. The patients were followed up for another 6 months. Sperm parameters, circulating antisperm anti bodies, sex hormones and T helper cytokines were evaluated before and after treatment for the two groups. Results: There was significant imp rovement in the sperm quality; sperm count (P<.02), progressive motili ty (P<.05), fertilising capacity (P<.01) and a reduction in the incide nce of antisperm antibodies (P<.01). Zinc/cadmium was higher in the zi nc therapy group (P<.02). T helper cytokine, interleukin-4 level was s ignificantly higher after zinc therapy (P<.02) while TNF alpha showed a significant decrease (P<.05). Conclusions: Zinc therapy has a role i n improving sperm parameters in men with asthenozoospermia, probably t hrough its membrane stabilising effect as an antioxidant and its effec t on cellular and humoral immunity by reducing the levels of antisperm antibodies and TNFa and increasing that of IL-4. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience B.V.