We undertook this study to investigate lipid peroxide levels and the activi
ties of two enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, in fertile (n = 66)
and normozoospermic infertile, oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic and azoo
spermic males (n = 92). The results show significantly high seminal plasma
lipid peroxide levels in normozoospermic infertile and asthenozoospermic me
n. Moreover, we found significantly reduced activity of the enzyme superoxi
de dismutase in all groups, except for those having oligozoospermia. Catala
se activity was significantly lower in all infertile males. Elevated lipid
peroxide levels along with depressed antioxidant enzyme activities highligh
t the role of free radicals in male infertility. Med Sci Res 27:201-203 (C)
1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.